A recent fire destroyed the home of a Florida man who was reported missing nearly two years ago, deepening the mystery surrounding his disappearance. 

John Henry Mallouk, 78, was reported missing in January 2023 by a “concerned” relative, according to police. The Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division began investigating the case as Mallouk had not been seen or heard from since August 2022. 

The blaze broke out on Friday night at Mallouk’s house in Okeechobee, Florida, and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation. 

The fire broke out on Friday night at John Mallouk’s house in Okeechobee, Florida. Police are investigating. (Martin County Sheriff’s Office/Facebook)

Detectives are urging anyone with information about the fire or the whereabouts of Mallouk to contact the Martin County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division.

“Our detectives have put so much time in this,” Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek told WPBF. 

“We’re just looking for closure wherever the answer leads us,” he added. “He does have family who are concerned about him and his whereabouts.”