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Celebrating A Legacy

For the most up-to-date information and how to help the Gilyana family, please see below.

In loving memory of Eiffel Gilyana

JCA Statement

Tuesday, December 26, 2023

It is with the heaviest hearts and a profound sense of sorrow that we share a heartbreaking update concerning the well-being of our cherished JCA Fitness and Wellness Director, Eiffel Gilyana.

Today, December 26, at around 1 pm, a heart-wrenching discovery was made in the ocean, approximately seven miles from where Eiffel was last seen. Law enforcement has officially verified that the retrieved body is indeed that of Eiffel Gilyana.

During this exceedingly difficult time, we humbly ask our community to extend their warmth and compassion to embrace and support the Gilyana Family. If your heart moves you to do so please consider donating to the GoFundMe page or signing up to provide meals for the Gilyana family. For access to all updates and information on how to lend a hand, please click here.

The JCA plans on hosting a gathering in remembrance and celebration of Eiffel. We will share more details once confirmed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eiffel’s family, friends, Task Force Hydro1 teammates, clients, and our entire JCA community.

How to Help

There are several ways to help support the Gilyana family. Please see the links below.

Donate – Donate funds to directly support the Gilyana family and the ongoing search for Eiffel through GoFundMe.

Provide Meals – Help ease the burden and comfort the Gilyana family by providing a meal or two.

Pray – Keep the Gilyana family in your prayers.

A Celebration of Life: Video Compilation of Eiffel's Cherished Moments

Updates

Mass Dedicated to Eiffel on January 28

Services Dedicated to Eiffel

Funeral and Burial Information

Funeral Arrangements for Eiffel Gilyana

Tuesday, January 2, 2024 at 11 am
St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church
4650 Kernan Blvd S, Jacksonville, FL 32224

Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery
4152 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32223

Followed by the reception for condolences at
St. Ephrem Syriac Catholic Church Hall
4650 Kernan Blvd S, Jacksonville FL, 32224

 

December 31, 2023

Hundreds of people joined us on Sunday in memory of our cherished Fitness and Wellness Director Eiffel Gilyana. Our sincerest, heartfelt thanks to all who gathered and those who spoke to honor his incredible legacy.

Please follow this link to watch the gathering celebrating Eiffel’s life: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P5qWJSuYtBQ.

December 28, 2023

December 27, 2023

The JCA will be hosting a community gathering to remember Eiffel on Sunday, December 31 at 3 pm in our Bessie Setzer Frisch Auditorium. Please join us as we come together in his honor.

At this time, funeral arrangements have not been finalized. We will share this information as soon as it becomes available.

December 26, 2023

Task Force Hydro1 continues to search with volunteers for Eiffel.

Today, December 26, at around 1 pm, a heart-wrenching discovery was made in the ocean, approximately seven miles from where Eiffel was last seen. Law enforcement has officially verified that the retrieved body is indeed that of Eiffel Gilyana. Click here to read the JCA’s statement.

Screenshot of Task Force Hydro1 Facebook Post

December 25, 2023

The search continued today with mostly volunteers. Task Force Hydro1 has been organizing volunteers and have created a grid system to help organize the volunteers who are assisting with boats and on foot. The bad weather today made visibility very poor and did not allow planes to assist, the weather should be clearing tomorrow.
A prayer vigil was held today at Vilano Beach at 2 pm that was attended by over 100 people all doing what they can to comfort the family and pray for Eiffel’s return.
A meal train has been set up at https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/C8N8A7Z for anyone who would like to provide Eiffel’s family with a meal. In addition, a GoFundMe page is in the process of being approved.
Screenshot of Task Force Hydro1 Facebook Post

December 24, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard crews and partner agencies continued the search this morning and the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Tarpon boat crew searched throughout the night.

The JCA posted a statement about Eiffel. “It is with deep regret and immense sadness that we share an update on the welfare of our JCA Fitness and Wellness Director Eiffel Gilyana.”… Click this link to read more.

The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended the search for a missing kayaker near St. Augustine Inlet, Florida, Sunday.
Missing is 46-year-old Eiffel Gilyana, who went missing near the ocean side of the North Jetties in St. Augustine, Saturday.
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to the family and friends affected by this tragic event,” said Cmdr. Nick Barrow, search and rescue coordinator, Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville. “This was an intensive search with the hope of finding Mr. Gilyana. I want to thank our partners from the city of St. Augustine, St. Johns County, Florida Fish and Wildlife and Customs and Border Protection for their contributions to this unified effort.”

Uscg jacksonville tweets a picture of a ship.A screenshot of a web page showing a map of the ocean.

December 23, 2023

U.S. Coast Guard crews and partner agencies are searching for a 46-year-old man last seen on a kayak near the St. Augustine Inlet near the North Jetties ocean side, Saturday.
A screenshot of a website showing a map of the ocean.A picture of a us coast guard helicopter with a message on it.

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