PORT ORANGE, Fla. – The medical examiner has confirmed that a body found inside a submerged car Saturday belongs to a Port Orange teacher who was reported missing three years ago, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office.
Robert Heikka’s body was found inside his car Saturday. The car was discovered in a canal along Pioneer Trail.
The car was discovered after water levels in the canal recently dropped significantly, according to the sheriff’s office.
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Heikka was last seen in October 2020 at his home in Port Orange.
Port Orange police said Heikka, who went by the name Bob and had been with Volusia County Schools since 1989, had taught at Creekside Middle School in Port Orange since 2002.
The Volusia County school district issued the following statement:
The Volusia County Schools and Creekside Middle School families are saddened to hear the latest news about Mr. Heikka. As has been demonstrated by the outpouring of support across the district and on social media, Mr. Heikka was a valued and beloved member of the educational community for more than three decades. He is loved and missed by his former students and colleagues, who will continue to remember him and his contributions. We send our condolences to his family and loved ones and hope they know how many lives Mr. Heikka positively impacted during his career.
Volusia County Schools
In December 2020, police said Heikka was seen on surveillance video at an ATM near Canaveral Shores.
Multiple agencies including the FBI, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Brevard and Volusia county sheriff’s offices and the Port Orange Police Department had been searching for Heikka.
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