Authorities declare the death of “Glee” actress Naya Rivera after discovering a body at the Lake Piru in Southern California, 6 days after she was announced missing
She rented a pontoon boat with her 4-year-old child. According to her son, he was “being helped into the boat by Naya who boosted him onto the boat, and he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water.”
Her son was found alone in the boat, wearing a life vest with a spare one lying around.
Officials say that they managed to track their last whereabouts through FaceTime images as she has been in contact with her family during the trip.
In an unfortunate coincidence, July 13, 2020 also marks the 7th death anniversary of Rivera’s co-star, Cory Monteith. His dead body was discovered in his hotel room in Vancouver exactly seven years ago. He was 31.
Fans have since been commemorating Rivera’s demise by sharing how the actress lightened up their lives.
the character naya rivera played in glee was groundbreaking. her portrayal of santana helped me so much. she helped me accept my sexuality. both naya and santana had such a big impact on my life and so many others. i’ll miss her forever. rest in peace naya ミ☆ pic.twitter.com/SE6C3TjMSl
— ellaミ☆ (@sapphiclopez) July 14, 2020
It was this moment RIGHT HERE that I understood what Pride was. This was where I stopped being ashamed of myself. Santana Lopez helped me survive. Naya Rivera changed my life. I’m shattered. Rest In Peace, Angel. I let you go. #RIPNayaRivera pic.twitter.com/NOdxu2x9VT
— Caio Siqueira (@caiothatdreamer) July 14, 2020
Glee has a cult following because it was THE show in the 2010’s that sought to represent as many demographics as possible. Naya Rivera’s character to this day stands with limited company as a Lantinx queer woman on prime time television. Please keep her family in your thoughts pic.twitter.com/5gQqJiCFnS
— Alec Jay Melger (@AlecJayM) July 14, 2020
Rivera is best known for playing the cold-hearted Santana Lopez on ‘Glee’. After the tribute episode for Cory Monteith, creator Ryan Murphy announced that it will wrap up the show on the sixth season. The last episode was aired on March 20, 2015.
Photo Credit: Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP