Body found days after beloved dancer went missing while swimming, Texas reports say

The body of a 33-year-old dance studio owner was pulled out of a Texas lake two days after he went missing, reports say.

He was identified by multiple reports as Roger Mendoza, a beloved dance instructor and owner of the Project AVI studio in San Antonio.

Emergency management officials responded to Lake Travis in Austin on the Fourth of July for reports of a missing swimmer, according to a social media post. Mendoza was racing with friends in the lake when he went missing, friends told KSAT.

The search for Mendoza became a recovery mission that night, officials said.

Divers and sonar technology were used in the search, and his body was found in the lake around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 6, Univision reported.

Mendoza’s mother, Anel Cox, told KENS her son enjoyed teaching at Project AVI, which he considered “a safe space for any level of dancer.”

AVI stands for “Attitude, Vibe and Imagination” and were traits Mendoza instilled at his studio.

“Project AVI strives on promoting positive mental health by inviting a night-club esque aura, high energy instruction, and a welcoming and friendly environment for everyone,” the studio’s website says.

‘A beautiful and bright soul’

Mendoza’s loved ones paid tribute to Mendoza, who was known for his spirit for dance and contagious smile.

“Roger was a beautiful and bright soul, and was loved by so many,” Daniel Arriaga said on Facebook. “His spirit and memory will live on thanks to the incredible talent and gift that he shared with all of us. That love and spirit can never be extinguished, and he will live on in our hearts forever.”

San Antonio Spirit, a cheerleading facility where Mendoza previously danced, said the dance community was shocked by his death.

“He was an inspiration, absolute joy to be around and so incredibly talented,” San Antonio Spirit said. “Roger served as a member of our first World’s dance team, Team Onyx. We cherish being a part of his journey throughout his dance career.”

A vigil will be held on Thursday, July 7, at Project AVI. Attendees are encouraged to wear orange, which was his favorite color.

A zumba class will also be held in his honor on Saturday, July 9, at Studio 360 in San Antonio.

“The dance jam hour that I spent with you was always the best hour of that day for me,” said Ajeeta Patil. “Your unbelievable talent, immense energy, love and passion for dance was felt each and every time that I attended your class. ... You have always been a beautiful ray of sunshine for many.”