NBC Connecticut /

News

Phys Ed Teacher's Body Found in Bahamas Harbor Naugatuck man was on vacation when he went missing

By  DEBRA BOGSTIE

Updated 8:40 AM EDT, Wed, Jan 7, 2009

Tim Massa was in the Bahamas on vacation, celebrating the New Year, went he went missing.

 

The family of a 30-year-old Waterbury physical education teacher is grieving and authorities are investigating after his body was found in the harbor outside a resort in the Bahamas.

Tim Massa was in the Bahamas on vacation, celebrating the New Year, went he went missing.

He spent Saturday partying with his brother, Jeffrey, and two friends, his brother Chris said Tuesday during a news conference at the family's Naugatuck home.

"This is a difficult time," he said. "Losing a loved one is not easy."

Tim left the group to return to his hotel room early Sunday morning to sleep before catching an early flight. When Jeffrey checked on his brother hours later, he found Tim's cell phone, luggage and room key in his room, Chris said. There were no immediate signs of foul play. 

He searched for Tim and notified hotel security, which called police.

Monday night, Tim’s body was found in a harbor at the Atlantis Resort and Hotel in Nassau.

Authorities are investigating the case as a possible homicide, but have not ruled out other causes.

Tim was a seasoned traveler who had visited more than 80 cities around the world, his family said. He had never missed a flight before, which immediately raised concerns among family members, Chris said.

Tim Massa worked at the Waterbury Arts Magnet School as a physical education teacher for five years, school officials said. 

The school planned to hold a moment of silence for the teacher Tuesday afternoon. Grief counselors are available to faculty, staff and students.

Copyright Associated Press

Comments (12)

Sort by: Most Recent | Oldest
  • MacKenzie Friday, Jan 9 at 4:47 PM FLAG COMMENT Mr. Massa did so much more then living he inspired people and will be missed bt a ton of people, I am in the class right now and it really isnt the same without him there. My heart goes out to the Massa familhy.
  • lauren Wednesday, Jan 7 at 3:58 PM FLAG COMMENT omg i miss him soo much he was yhe greatest gym teacher ever.. he was always there no matter what and helped anybody who needed it he will always be in our hearts and never forgotten and we will all miss him in the halls=[
  • kp Wednesday, Jan 7 at 9:52 AM FLAG COMMENT He was a very cool teacher. He was a lot of fun and always talked and laughed with everyone! We will all miss him. He ROCKS.
  • madison Wednesday, Jan 7 at 9:43 AM FLAG COMMENT omg i had mr. massa for gym 7th period and i was balling my eyes out when i found out and i couldnt stand going to gym without him being there
  • sue t Wednesday, Jan 7 at 9:20 AM FLAG COMMENT maybe not the safest place to go on vacation anymore,very sad story ...

Post a Comment

Name


Comment - You have 2000 characters left

Enter both words below, separated by a space, in the field located to the lower right. Can't read the words below? Try different words or an audio captcha. What's this?