The newly appointed commander of the IDF's Nahal Brigade, Col. Sharon Asman, died Thursday morning after he collapsed during fitness training in a military base in central Israel.
Asman, who only took up the post on Monday, received immediate medical attention but was pronounced dead shortly afterward, according to an IDF Spokesperson's Unit statement.
The 42-year-old was one of the most highly regarded commanders among the military's field units and had long aspired to command the Nahal Brigade in which he began his almost 25-year-long military career during which he served in various field, command, staff and training positions.
He survived by his wife and two daughters aged six and two.
Following Asman's untimely death, outgoing Nahal Brigade commander Col. Israel Shomer was reinstated as the head of the infantry brigade.
Prime Minister Naftali Bennett conveyed his condolences to Asman's family “on behalf of the citizens of Israel."
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Col. Sharon Asman, left, and his troops at the scene of a terrorist attack in the West Bank outpost of Giv'at Asaf, December 13, 2018
(Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit)
“Col. Asman was one of the best of our sons. He contributed his best years to maintaining Israel’s security. His untimely departure is an unfortunate and painful event. Our hearts go out to the dear family May his memory be a blessing,” Bennett said.
Defense Minister Benny Gantz, President Reuven Rivlin and Opposition Leader Benjamin Netanyahu have also extended their condolences to the Asman family.
The military said the officer's family was notified, and that the incident was under investigation.