On Tuesday, University of Texas at Austin Police located a body in Waller Creek on the UT campus around 11:30 a.m. Authorities have now identified the victim as Haruka Weiser of Portland, Oregon. She was a freshman Dance major.
In an interview posted on Dance West's page, Haruka said, "I've been dancing in my living room for as long as I can remember but I began training at ACMA in the 6th grade." Haruka went on to state that her favorite dance styles were "ballet and hip-hop. I love the precision and grace of ballet, but at the same time I enjoy the freedom and challenges I find in hip-hop." She also stated that she enjoyed spending time outside and cooking.
In a statement released by UT on Thursday, "Dance faculty members first met Haruka more than two years ago when she performed at the National High School Dance Festival. They immediately began recruiting her to come to UT from her home in Portland, Oregon. Our community was made better by her decision to join the College of Fine Arts."
Haruka was involved in, "Dance Action, a student-run organization for dancers, and performed in the fall Dance Action concert."
University police first learned that Haruka was missing on Monday morning and immediately began searching for her. She was last seen Sunday night leaving the Drama building, according to officials. Her roommates reported her missing after Weiser did not return home on Sunday. Her death was ruled a homicide, and an investigation is underway.
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