Missing Phoenix yoga instructor found dead

PHOENIX (KYMA, KECY) - A yoga instructor living in Phoenix was found dead after he was reported missing last month.

Friends of Marcus Frieberger spoke highly of him Monday when he was originally believed to be a missing person.

"His personality is just magnetic...If I need anything and he is in a different state or a different place. He will be here in five minutes. That is just who he is to everybody that he knows," said Gina Zucchet, one of Frieberger's friends.

But on Tuesday, Frieberger's family confirmed, in a statement, that he was dead.

Frieberger, 45, was a Phoenix yoga instructor who reportedly went missing on the way to a blind date.

Loved ones say he was last seen on February 21 at a parking garage near Second Avenue and Van Buren Street.

"Within the last year, I was actually battling cancer and he actually drove here and stayed here and took care of me while I was going through radiation. That's the type of person he is," said Amber Cranford, another one of Frieberger's friends.

The Maricopa County Office of the Medical Examiner's website shows Frieberger died on March 19, and his cause of death is still listed as pending.

A close friend of his was reached out via text, who said they believe there is foul play involved, adding he was found in a body of water on the outskirts of Phoenix. His phone, truck and wallet are still missing.

"He will be here in five minutes if you need him. Just always willing to help anybody," Cranford expressed.

Frieberger worked at Melrose Yoga, and according to an employee at Black Swan Yoga, he recently accepted a position there as an instructor.