Remains in car pulled from canal confirmed as missing Port Orange teacher
The Volusia Sheriff's Office confirmed on Tuesday that the remains found inside a car recovered from a canal over the weekend were those of the Port Orange teacher who went missing more than two years ago.
"The medical examiner has now positively identified Robert Heikka, the missing Port Orange teacher whose body was found Saturday afternoon inside his car in a canal along Pioneer Trail," the updated social media post states. "Our condolences again go out to Mr. Heikka's family and friends."
As of late Tuesday afternoon, the Facebook post had received more than 300 comments with many people offering their condolences to Heikka's loved ones and the hopes his family may now find closure.
Some comments came from people who knew Heikka, such as coworkers and former students; a number of them described him as "kind."
Finding missing teacher's vehicle: What led search crews to canal near New Smyrna Beach?
Volunteer discovery: Florida teacher's disappearance was mystery for years until volunteers spotted car in canal
What happened to Robert Heikka?
Heikka was a 70-year-old teacher at Creekside Middle School when he was reported missing after failing to show up for work on Oct. 26, 2020.
His car was recovered Saturday from a canal near New Smyrna Beach.
The nonprofit Sunshine State Sonar Search Team and Recon Dive Recovery members located the Chevrolet Impala about 25 yards off Pioneer Trail among the overgrown brush.
The site is near the South Tomoka Wildlife Management Area and less than 6 miles from where Heikka lived.
The Facebook post by Sunshine State Sonar states the teacher "lost control of his vehicle on a sharp corner" the night before he was reported missing.
This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Remains from car in canal confirmed as missing Port Orange teacher
