Israeli-American businessman and reality TV personality Yakir Levi died after falling from the 28th floor of a luxury hotel building in Florida.Levi, 45, fell from the Acqualina Resort and Residences On The Beach in Sunny Isles Beach, Miami, on Monday night at around 9.30 pm, The New York Post reported.Emergency responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue (MDFR) reached the spot and found an adult male who was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident as an “unclassified death investigation”. Officials said the exact cause and manner of death will be determined after an autopsy.
Family remembers ‘precious brother’ as probe continues
Levi’s family confirmed his death, with his sister sharing an emotional tribute on Facebook. “My dear precious brother. I entrust his soul to the Creator. May someone wake me up from this crazy nightmare,” she wrote.His sister Limor told Israeli outlet Ynet that the family was still trying to understand what happened.“We still don’t know what happened,” she said, adding that Levi had been in Miami on vacation and appeared to be enjoying himself in the days before his death.“He was posting videos to Instagram. Everything was going ahead as usual. Suddenly, a friend called and told us that he had died,” she said. Levi is survived by his wife and three children.
From $300 in pocket to successful US businessman
Born in Ramla, Israel, Levi moved to the US and built a successful business in property restoration. According to reports, he had said on Israeli television that he arrived in America with just $300 and later built a multimillion-dollar company, 770 Water Damage Restoration, which specialises in repairing properties affected by fire and water damage.
Reality show chronicled Israeli expat journey
Levi featured on Israel’s Channel 13 reality show “The Americans”, which followed Israelis who moved to the US while pursuing their version of the American Dream.The programme, aired in 2025, showcased the lives of Israeli expatriates building careers and businesses in America while staying connected to their roots.Reports said Levi had recently visited Israel and was planning to return permanently, including making arrangements for his children’s schooling.His remains are expected to be brought back to Israel later this week, according to Israeli media reports.
