BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. – A 64-year-old man who worked as a janitor at a Palm Bay school died Saturday while kayaking in Brevard County, wildlife officials said.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission said Edgar Almeida, who worked in maintenance at Odyssey Charter Jr/Sr High School, was pronounced dead after he was found unresponsive on the Indian River Lagoon.
Florida wildlife officials said witnesses spotted Almeida struggling to paddle against the wind while trying to reach a nearby island.
Authorities were called and first responders responded but could not revive him, the FWC said.
“The FWC extends its deepest condolences to Mr. Almeida’s family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the FWC said in a statement.
Odyssey Charter school officials notified parents about Almeida’s death.
Dear Parents,
It is with deep sadness that we share that Edgar Almeida, our dedicated maintenance support for the past 8 years, passed away on Saturday morning in a kayaking accident. Mr. Edgar’s kindness and care touched everyone, and he will be greatly missed by all our students and staff. Mr. Edgar quickly became part of the fabric of our Odyssey community and made us all feel at home.
Our teachers and counselors are available to support students during the week ahead, and we encourage families to talk with their children and share memories of Edgar, helping them remember the positive impact he had on our school community. If you need additional support, please contact Ms. Francesca Privette, OPA Social Worker at privettef@odysseycharterschool.com or Mr. Mike Guevara, OCS Jr/Sr High Assistant Principal at guevaram@odysseycharterschool.com.
With sympathy,
Our School Leadership Team
Parent Kelsey Setchfield called the accident a tragedy for the Odyssey community.
“Our kids are just really sad about it,” she said. “My condolences to the family. That’s a really terrible thing, and my condolences to the staff. He was a great guy.”
Students as young as kindergarten told Palm Bay Community Correspondent James Sparvero about Almeida’s kindness too.
“He touched all of our lives,” Jeremiah Beaudouin said.
The kindergartener at Odyssey Preparatory Academy said he will miss Mr. Edgar very much.
“He was very nice to everybody and me,” Beaudouin said. “He gives everybody high fives, everything, so much.”
A GoFundMe has been created to assist Almeida’s family.