'Firecracker in our hearts': Community remembers Marcus Freiberger with candlelight vigil in Phoenix
Christopher Krcmarik blinked back tears as he listened to people share about his ex-boyfriend, Marcus Freiberger. He held a pink candle, the soft yellow light illuminating his face before he blew it out.
Smoke from small, rainbow-colored candles drifted into the chilly air as people who had gathered to celebrate Freiberger's life followed Krcmarik's lead one by one.
The small yard at Royale Kitchen + Cocktails in downtown Phoenix was flooded with people clutching candles, cupcakes and cocktails, a testament to Freiberger's impact.
The candlelight vigil on April 2 was anything but somber — instead, it was a celebration of life, reflecting Freiberger's bright and outgoing personality.
Freiberger, 45, was a light to all who knew him, many said. He was a beloved yoga instructor and Phoenix transplant. He brightened people's days through a smile and conversation.
"You'll always be that firecracker in our hearts," Krcmarik said as he fondly remembered Freiberger.
Freiberger was found dead more than three weeks after planning to meet a date in a downtown Phoenix parking garage. What happened between his date and when he was found was under investigation by Phoenix police.
Electronic house music pumped through the small courtyard at the bar as people milled about and chatted. Some sat quietly; others let loose a sharp laugh.
The vigil was more than a remembrance of Freiberger — it was a party.
"Let's be real," Krcmarik said with a smile. "Marcus wasn't just the light in the room. He was a damn spotlight."
Sniffles and laughter were the background soundtrack to people speaking about Freiberger. They spoke of the happy memories they had with him, each story bringing to life his radiance, joy and passion for helping others.
"Even when life got heavy, he somehow managed to be this glowing, positive force," said Krcmarik. "It was like he refused to let the darkness in."
People remembered Freiberger by his kindness and empathy, many saying that he had overcome a lot on his journey.
Freiberger was a staple in the Valley's LGBTQ+ community and worked at Melrose Yoga. He loved his dog, Thomas, who was routinely featured on his Instagram.
He was known by his compassion and genuine love for people. He had an "undeniable Marcus energy," Krcmarik said.
"It's obvious that you all knew what Marcus was like and that you loved him for he who was," said Freiberger's stepfather, Dutch Freiberger. "We loved him for he was."
Freiberger's disappearance and death raised many questions that were still under investigation by police.
He was last seen on Feb. 21 at a parking garage in downtown Phoenix, waiting for a blind date. It was unknown if he ever met his date.
Friends and family reported him missing after realizing he left Thomas alone in his apartment, something they said he would never do. However, a missing persons report wasn't filed until three weeks later on March 14, Phoenix police said.
Phoenix police said at the time that they did not believe he was in imminent danger.
Police found his body on March 19 at a rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road after responding to a call. No further details were released about the call.
"We just want to know what happened," said his father, Rodger Freiberger. "I don't know if he had any issues going on, not sure what led to the disappearance. It's very strange."
The manner and cause of death were still under investigation by the Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office. The medical examiner listed his date of death as March 19, the day he was found.
There was no suspect in custody in connection with Freiberger's death, Phoenix police said. Investigators said they were awaiting results from the medical examiner and, in the meantime, were pursuing leads.
Detectives urged anyone with information about his disappearance to call CrimeStop at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Candlelight vigil held for Phoenix yoga instructor Marcus Freiberger
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