Latest news with #Freiberger
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
Yoga Instructor's Cause of Death Revealed 2 Months After He Was Found Dead in a Rock Quarry
The remains of Marcus Freiberger, 45, who was last heard from on Feb. 21, were discovered at a rock quarry on the outskirts of Phoenix about a month later, police said 'We are obviously heartbroken," friend Amber Cranford previously told PEOPLE following the news of Freiberger's death at the time. "It's going to take a while to process this" The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner's website listed Freiberger's manner of death as "undetermined" Authorities determined the cause of death of a yoga teacher whose body was found just over two months ago at a rock quarry on the outskirts of Phoenix. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office listed on its website that 45-year-old Marcus Freiberger's manner of death is "undetermined." In the medical examiner's annual report from 2023, 'undetermined' is when a clear manner of death cannot be found, 'typically due to a lack of available information or where competing manners [of death] are equally likely.' Freiberger was last heard from on Feb. 21 before he was scheduled to meet a blind date, The Arizona Central reported. At the time, -olice said that officers began investigating his disappearance on March 14, 2025, after receiving a missing person report. "The investigation was led by the Missing Persons Detail, who completed thorough investigative checks," the Phoenix Police Department said in a March 25 press release. "No additional leads or evidence were discovered to determine if Freiberger left town or fell victim to any particular crime. Investigators continued to work with family and friends but were unable to determine Freiberger's whereabouts." Police said human remains were discovered at the rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road on March 19, adding that the medical examiner's office later identified them as belonging to Freiberger. Freiberger's sister, Tina Hall, also confirmed the death of her brother in a March 25 Facebook post. "It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that Marcus is no longer with us," Hall wrote. "Losing him feels like losing a part of ourselves and I know this will be just as difficult for you. We thank all of you for the love and support you have given Marcus and our family." Friends believed something was amiss when they discovered that Freiberger's beloved dog was left alone in the apartment. 'He just did everything with his dog,' Freiberger's childhood friend Amber Cranford told PEOPLE. 'He was constantly at the dog park or taking him hiking, and any time he left, he would call somebody to watch the dog. He was just so into his dog, and the dog ended up being by itself for at least six to eight days.' Freiberger's last correspondence with his father and a friend 'seemed normal, nothing out of the ordinary,' said Cranford. 'And then that same night, his phone was disconnected. When you called it, it went to Verizon, basically. And then we called his phone after that, and it's dead now." Freiberger, who had relocated to Phoenix from Prescott, Ariz., three years ago, had started a new career as a yoga instructor. 'He had just graduated a couple months ago, and he was working at a place and had a huge following, and he was just very, very happy about that,' Cranford said. 'He was so excited because he had all these ideas for classes and what he was going to do. It was the spiritual thing, and then also just a stress-free job, doing what he liked. He felt that he had finally found what he was supposed to be doing.' Nicole Keir, a friend of Freiberger who had worked with him at a hotel in Austin, remembered the former roofer as 'very lively and friendly.' 'He was really enigmatic, big smile,' she told PEOPLE. 'We used to all go dancing after work. And there was always fun, like work outings and he would participate. We just got along very well and just always were supportive of each other.' Upon hearing the news of Freiberger's death, Cranford said: 'It is devastating, and we are in shock. We are obviously heartbroken. It's going to take a while to process this. There will be a huge void left for all of us. It is a huge loss for every single person who knew him, especially his parents and sister.' 'Our parents were best friends,' Cranford added. 'Our parents were in the military. They worked together, and we lived across the street from each other, so we've known each other since then.' Additional reporting by Christine Pelisek and Kristen O'Brien. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Yahoo
'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
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
Yoga instructor who disappeared after going on a blind date found dead
An Arizona Yoga teacher disappeared after a blind date, and police later found his body in a commercial area of Phoenix. Marcus Freiberger, 45, was found deceased at a rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road on March 19. He'd been missing for nearly a month, according to The Arizona Republic. He had last been seen at a city parking garage waiting for a blind date on February 21. It's unknown if he ever met up with the date. He drove a white 2021 GMC Sierra pickup to the meet-up. It's not known if the vehicle has been recovered by police. Friends and family members became concerned when they discovered the man's dog alone in his apartment. A missing person's report was filed on March 14. Five days later, authorities found his body. According to the outlet, Freiberger taught at the Melrose Yoga studio in Phoenix and was a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He'd posted on Instagram about becoming a yoga therapist in December 2024. He also owned a roofing company called Strong Roofing LLC, which provides services like roofing, re-roofing, metal roofing, tile roofing, roof repairs and roof inspections. Freiberger had credited his success to his yoga journey. 'My life had been flip turned upside down over the last year and a half, without this journey I have no idea if I would be around anymore,' he wrote in the Instagram post. 'I don't say that lightly, I say that with all seriousness.' Freiberger's sister, Tina Hall, confirmed his death on Facebook Tuesday. 'It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that Marcus is no longer with us,' she wrote. 'Losing him feels like losing a part of ourselves and I know this will be just as difficult for you. We thank all of you for the love and support you have given Marcus and our family.' Police do not suspect foul play played a part in Freiberger's disappearance but an investigation is ongoing. Officials with the Phoenix Police Department are asking anyone with information about the man's disappearance to call CrimeStop at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness if they wish to remain anonymous at 480-WITNESS.
The Independent
27-03-2025
- The Independent
Yoga instructor who disappeared after going on a blind date found dead
An Arizona Yoga teacher disappeared after a blind date, and police later found his body in a commercial area of Phoenix. Marcus Freiberger, 45, was found deceased at a rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road on March 19. He'd been missing for nearly a month, according to The Arizona Republic. He had last been seen at a city parking garage waiting for a blind date on February 21. It's unknown if he ever met up with the date. He drove a white 2021 GMC Sierra pickup to the meet-up. It's not known if the vehicle has been recovered by police. Friends and family members became concerned when they discovered the man's dog alone in his apartment. A missing person 's report was filed on March 14. Five days later, authorities found his body. According to the outlet, Freiberger taught at the Melrose Yoga studio in Phoenix and was a member of the LGBTQ+ community. He'd posted on Instagram about becoming a yoga therapist in December 2024. He also owned a roofing company called Strong Roofing LLC, which provides services like roofing, re-roofing, metal roofing, tile roofing, roof repairs and roof inspections. Freiberger had credited his success to his yoga journey. 'My life had been flip turned upside down over the last year and a half, without this journey I have no idea if I would be around anymore,' he wrote in the Instagram post. 'I don't say that lightly, I say that with all seriousness.' Freiberger's sister, Tina Hall, confirmed his death on Facebook Tuesday. 'It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that Marcus is no longer with us,' she wrote. 'Losing him feels like losing a part of ourselves and I know this will be just as difficult for you. We thank all of you for the love and support you have given Marcus and our family.' Police do not suspect foul play played a part in Freiberger's disappearance but an investigation is ongoing. Officials with the Phoenix Police Department are asking anyone with information about the man's disappearance to call CrimeStop at 602-262-6151 or Silent Witness if they wish to remain anonymous at 480-WITNESS.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Yahoo
'Larger than life': Phoenix yoga teacher Marcus Freiberger mourned by LGBTQ+ community
Since the news of his death became public, it has become clear what a beloved figure Marcus Freiberger had been to family, friends and those in the LGBTQ+ community. The 45-year-old Phoenix yoga instructor, who was missing for more than a month, was found dead on March 19. His disappearance and death have impacted those who knew the man, whom many described as "larger than life." "It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic news that Marcus is no longer with us. Losing him feels like losing a part of ourselves and I know this will be just as difficult for you," his sister Tina Hall wrote on Facebook. "We thank all of you for the love and support you have given Marcus and our family." Family and friends were initially alerted to his disappearance when his beloved dog, Thomas, was left abandoned in his apartment, something they say Marcus would never have done. A missing person's report was filed on March 14. Family and friends' worst fears were confirmed when police responded to reports of a possible dead body at a rock quarry near 15th Avenue and Broadway Road. The Maricopa County Medical Examiner's Office identified the body as Freiberger's, police said. "He was taken in a very bad way. You're never too old or too big to let them know where you're going or what you're doing. We might have found out a lot quicker about what happened," Forrest Kruger, owner of Melrose Yoga, said. Freiburger was a popular teacher at Melrose Yoga and was in the midst of rebuilding his life. He posted on Instagram in December 2024 about his journey to becoming a yoga instructor. "My life had been flip turned upside down over the last year and a half, without this journey I have no idea if I would be around anymore," Freiburger said in the post. "I don't say that lightly, I say that with all seriousness. This journey is forcing me to go inward to find my answers, my peace, and to heal." Freiberger began working at Melrose Yoga at the end of the summer in 2024 while he was getting his teacher certificate and practice teaching hours, Kruger said. "He was really enthusiastic and had a really great path ahead of him. He had some problems in the past, but he had really overcome those and was spreading his wings and doing really well," Kruger said. "What a great yoga teacher; even some of the teachers here were taking his classes." Kruger also remarked on Freiberger's kindness. "If he saw you struggling or suffering, he'd sit down and join you just to make sure you weren't alone. He just wanted to alleviate suffering in the world and be part of the community," Kruger said. "We're really devastated his journey was cut short." The yoga studio is a place that serves the Melrose LGBTQ+ community, offering "a safe space to connect, heal, grow, and thrive," according to their Facebook page. That was Freiberger, too, friends said — a safe space for others. "He was always there to help someone else. He would say, 'Take a breath,' and everything is going to be OK and calm you down," friend Will Bjerke said. Bjerke recalled meeting him for the first time at the Bunkhouse, a popular bar for the LGBTQ+ community, especially for gay men. Freiberger came up to Bjerke and said, 'Oh, you're a ginger.'" Bjerke responded, "You might smell like Cinnamon Toast Crunch when you hug me." "My favorite cereal!" Freiberger joked back. "He was so nice; he would never get crazy. He would always have a good time with his friends. He was just a sweet, nice guy," Bjerke said. "He was a sweet, gentle giant." I just found out that Marcus, my ex from many years ago, has passed away. He went missing, and today, he was found. I'm... Posted by Scott Jacqmein on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 Scott Jacqmein, an ex of Freiberger, wrote a tribute on Facebook, remembering him fondly. "I just found out that Marcus, my ex from many years ago, has passed away. He went missing, and today, he was found. I'm still a little numb," Jacqmein said in the post. "We were together for about three years—years filled with bright spots and big splats, laughter and heartbreak. He broke my heart, and I'm sure I broke his too. But there was love there. And time. And memories." Jacqmein said Freiberger was known to be larger than life, with a magnetic personality that brought their community and friend group together. Though they parted ways as a couple, Jacqmein said they had continued to cheer each other on through social media over the years. He said he had celebrated Freiberger's successes and triumphs, his new pathway to becoming a yoga instructor and the community he had created along the way. "He knew how to draw a crowd, just from his place of being. He went through a lot of hard times, and he seemed to triumph through them, and it's sad for his story to end this way," Jacqmein said. The beloved yoga instructor's disappearance has certainly rippled through the LGBTQ+ community that he served. "The whole gay community is devastated, and it's going to get louder because we want to know why this happened," Kruger said. What we know: Marcus Freiberger, beloved missing Phoenix yoga teacher, found dead This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Marcus Freiburger's journey was cut short, yoga studio owner says
