Officials: Body found in car belonging to teacher who vanished nearly 3 years ago

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Authorities found what is believed to be human remains inside a car belonging to a Florida teacher reported missing nearly three years ago.

>> Read more trending news

Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release that the car belonging to Robert Heikka was found Saturday in a canal near 4290 Pioneer Trail in the New Smyrna, Florida, area. Once the car was removed from the canal, officials confirmed there were human remains inside, according to WFTV.

Heikka was last seen at his home in Port Orange on Oct. 25, 2020, according to WFTV. Police said money was withdrawn from his bank account before his disappearance.

A positive identification of the body has not yet been made, the sheriff’s office said. No information has been released about the cause and manner of death.

“We thank all involved for bringing some much-needed closure to Mr. Heikka’s family. Thank you all. Our prayers and thoughts are with his family,” the Port Orange Police Department said on Facebook.