Heartbreak as Nova festival attack survivor dies 2 years after Hamas shot girlfriend dead

Roei Shalev, one of the survivors of the Nova festival attack on October 7, 2023, was found dead in a burning car. He is believed to have taken his own life, The Times of Israel reports, as Israeli police say an investigation has been launched into the circumstances of his death. Shalev posted on social media saying "he couldn't go on" shortly before his death, prompting a frantic call from concerned friends and fellow Nova festival survivors.

His friends who took part in the search described him as a devoted member of the Nova survivors community who "gave strength to everyone else while quietly carrying immense pain". Upon reaching the scene of the blaze, firefighters immediately declared him dead.

His family announced his death in a statement asking people to give them privacy in this heartbreaking time.

The Nova Tribe Community, which represents survivors and families of the victims, said it was "bowing its head with hearts shattered into pieces, in the deepest sorrow over the untimely death of our beloved friend Roei Shalev".

It added: "Roei was one of the pillars of our community, and his death is an incomprehensible loss.

"We ask to remember him in his most beautiful moments - his courageous support of the community, his leadership as captain of the Nova Tribe basketball team, and his devotion to helping friends in their most difficult times.

"We have endured so much pain in these two years, and we will endure this unimaginable sorrow together as well.

"Many trauma survivors continue to experience unbearable moments since October 7. We call on everyone to remain vigilant and sensitive to their emotional state."

Shalev was at the Nova festival with his partner Mapal Adam and their best friend Hilly Solomon, and tried to escape in a car when they heard the rocket fire.

When they couldn't get any further, they ditched the vehicle and began running. The trio dove under abandoned cars to escape Hamas gunmen, who ultimately killed Adam and Solomon, leaving Shalev with two bullet wounds to his back.

He played dead for seven hours until the Israeli military found him covered in his girlfriend's blood.

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