Jerusalem: An Australian man has been killed in Israeli-occupied territory, just days before his 59th birthday.
James Patrick Synan, known as Jim, was working dismantling an oil and gas servicing rig for global drilling company Viking Services on the Golan Heights. He was taken to hospital where he later died of his injuries. It is unclear what caused Mr Synan's death. 
The Golan drilling has been controversial because it is taking place on Syrian territory occupied by Israel in 1967 and subsequently annexed, a move that has never been accepted by the international community. There is also environmental opposition to the drilling. The company claims it has found an oil stratum 350 metres thick.
From Foster in Victoria, Synan obtained a working visa for Israel in   October 2014 and was listed as a "foreign expert" on his work permit. 
Following his death late on   May 29, a stop-work order was placed on the plant. Exploration at the site had already been suspended on   May 10 when the Israeli government said it did not have proper approvals to operate.
A senior industry worker said they believed an investigation into the accident had found human error caused Mr Synan's death - but details have not been released.
Investigators could not be contacted for comment.
Viking Services chief executive Randy Arnold flew to Israel to investigate but was not available for comment.
Mr Synan's son, Blake, a university student in Perth, said his family still knew little of what happened.
"The investigation by officials in Israel has not finished and [we] have been told it could take a while longer."
Mr Synan's body has been repatriated but is still being held until such processes are complete, Blake said.
He posted a moving message on social media: "I remember all your stories and my memories and tomorrow I will live my life as full as yours was. I love you Dad."
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