IDF lone soldier missing since Sunday, found dead with issued weapon still at his side

Search ends for missing lone soldier from the United states after authorities discover body in country's Center still armed with his issued fire-arm.

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
IDF soldier David Menachem Gordon. (photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
IDF soldier David Menachem Gordon.
(photo credit: ISRAEL POLICE)
A soldier who went missing around midday on Sunday outside an IDF base in the central region was found dead on Tuesday afternoon.
The army named him as Cpl. David Gordon, 21, a lone soldier (in the country without immediate family) from the United States who lived in Jerusalem.
Gordon was found dead not far from the Tzrifin base, east of Rishon Lezion, where he was last seen on Sunday wearing his uniform and his purple Givati Brigade beret.
The army has opened an investigation and Gordon’s family in the United States has been notified of his death.
Gordon’s end of basic training ceremony was held in January and he served in the 424th Shaked Infantry Battalion, according to his Facebook page.
He ran a blog, “Sparks of David,” where he wrote extensively, in English, about his experiences in Israel, the army, and more. His work was also published in New York-based The Suit magazine.
Capt. Tomer, Gordon’s company commander, praised the lone soldier’s dedication, high morale and exemplary military record.
Barbara and Zvi Rome, relatives who hosted Gordon after his return earlier this month from the Gaza Strip, said, “David distinguished himself on and off the battlefield. He cherished his American roots as much as he took pride in his service to the Jewish state.
He will be buried with full military honors on Har Herzl [the capital’s Mount Herzl Military Cemetery]. We already miss him dearly.”