Singer, actress Naya Rivera was found dead Monday in a Southern California lake. She was 33. Rivera is known for playing a gay cheerleader Santana Lopez in TV musical comedy Glee. Naya actress whose career spanned 29 years, had vanished while boating with her 4-year-old son Josey.
Rivera was first identified as missing after her 4-year-old son Joey was found alone in their rented boat. The search operation continued for five days amid low visibility. Her body was discovered six days after she disappeared on Lake Piru. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the body was Rivera’s.
Speaking to Variety Sheriff Bill Ayub said there was no indication of suicide or foul play. He added, “Joey and Naya swam in the lake together. It was during that time that her son described being helped onto the boat by Naya. … He told investigators he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water. We believe that she mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
Rivera is survived by parents Yolanda Rivera and George Rivera. Also her younger brother Mychal, sister Nickayla, her son Josey Hollis Dorsey, with ex-husband Dorsey.
Members from the cast of “Glee” were photographed by Los Angeles news stations holding hands on the shore of the water, about an hour before Ventura County Sheriffs confirmed Rivera’s death during a press conference.
Celebrities Condoled Naya’s demise:
Jane Lynch, who appeared on “Glee” with Rivera tweeted,
Kevin McHale,
May her Soul Rest In Peace.
Also Read: ‘Glee’ Actress Naya Rivera Missing At California Lake