A 45-year-old British Jewish father of seven from Edgware, London, was found dead in a forest near the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov in Uman during the Rosh Hashanah pilgrimage.

The man, identified as Yitzchak “Alex” Elmkies, was discovered by fellow Chassidim in the forest and pronounced dead at the scene. Reports indicate that his body showed signs of violence.

Ukrainian authorities have opened an investigation into the circumstances of his death, including the possibility of a criminal act.

Jewish emergency organizations, including ZAKA and United Hatzalah’s Uman branch, are assisting with the case and working with local authorities regarding the release of the body for burial.

Elmkies’ family is also receiving assistance, with a fundraising campaign launched to support his seven children.

The investigation remains ongoing.