The news of Heikka’s tragic fate has shocked his family, friends, and the local community. The Volusia County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to the Heikka family and friends, as they continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death.
No further details about the body found in the vehicle have been released at this time.
The Pioneer Trail, where Heikka’s car was found, is located near the South Tomoka Wildlife Management Area. This is approximately six miles from his Port Orange neighborhood.
The nonprofit Sunshine State Sonar Search Team and Recon Dive Recovery members played a crucial role in recovering the submerged car, using their expertise in underwater search and recovery operations.
The drop in the canal’s water level due to environmental factors made the top part of the car visible.
Investigators are trying to confirm that the body is the missing man. And ultimately are hoping to determine his cause of death.
The discovery of Heikka’s car and the body inside brings some sense of closure to his family and the community. And although this is not the outcome hoped for, it ends nearly three years of agonizing about what happened to him.
