Popular ‘Glee’ actor, Naya Rivera was found dead yesterday, July 13, after drowning in a California lake. The actress, 33, had gone missing at Lake Piru on Wednesday, July 8, 2020. Her four-year-old son, Josey, was found wearing a life jacket on a boat that she had rented.
Her son told rescuers that they had gone into the water to swim, but she did not get back on the boat. After a 6-day search, her body was found floating in the northeast area of Lake Piru.
At a press conference yesterday, Ventura County Sheriff, Bill Ayub said they were confident that the body found is Naya Rivera’s but it will be confirmed through dental records at the Coroner’s office.
Many of her cast members and friends have taken to social media to share their grief and write tributes for her.
Despite getting grief for her behaviour on the musical series, ‘Glee’, Lea Michelle took to Instagram Story to share never-before-seen photos of Naya and Cory Monteith (another member of the ‘Glee’ cast and her ex-boyfriend who died in 2013).
Jane Lynch who played Coach Sue on the TV series said, ‘Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.’
Another co-star, Kristen Chenowith said, ‘Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you.’
One of her friends and co-star, Chris Colfer who played Kurt Hummel on the hit series, wrote an epistle about her.
He said, ‘How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t. Her brilliance and humour were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honour and a suit of armour. Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be. Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son.’
Award-winning singer and actress, Demi Lovato who played Rivera’s girlfriend on Glee also took to Instagram to write a very touching tribute to the star.
She said, ‘RIP Naya Rivera. I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee. The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted queer girls (like me at the time) and open queer girls, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world. My heart goes out to your loved ones at this time. ❤️🕊’
She is the third member of the ‘Glee’ cast to have died since 2013. Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson died in 2013 from a heroin and alcohol overdose. In 2018, Mark Salling, who had dated Rivera, died by suicide at the age of 35.
Although Naya Rivera was famous for her role as Santana Lopez in ‘Glee’, she also appeared in the CBS sitcom, ‘The Royal Family’, in the comedy film, ‘The Master of Disguise’, and more recently, ‘Step Up’, the TV series.
Her death is a terrible blow to the entertainment industry and she will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace, Naya Rivera.
