Itai Sharon, 17, of Zichron Yaacov, a candidate for an IDF pilot course, died Wednesday at the Hatzerim base in southern Israel during the fourth day of tryouts for the prestigious Air Force flight school.
According to witnesses, the teenager passed out Wednesday morning while resting in the shade. He was rushed to Soroka hospital in Be'er Sheva where he was pronounced dead.
Air Force Commander Eliezer Shakedi has appointed a commission of inquiry to look into the tragedy's circumstances. Military Police investigators have also started to collect evidence in order to ascertain whether deviation from orders led to the death.
Commanders seek legal advice
IDF officials told Ynet that seven soldiers and officers, including senior ranking officers, were questioned during the day. On Thursday, investigators are expected to continue the questioning process.
"Seemingly, the staff followed all the regulations and the youngster's death is a mystery," a military source familiar with the affair said.
According to information received by Ynet, the teenager did not complain about anything out of the ordinary during the first three days of the trial period. Wednesday morning, however, he felt weak and commanders ordered him to drink several times and refused his request to return to training sessions despite his insistence.
Following the six-day trial period, the Air Force selects candidates that will start the army's flight course. Those who make it to the tryouts successfully passed personal and medical examinations, including special tests. The candidates also undergo strict medical tests at the Air Force's medical unit.
During the trial period, the soldiers undergo a series of tests and must face physical and mental challenges while dealing with leadership drills and the need to function under pressure.