Body of ‘Glee’ star Naya Rivera recovered from Lake Piru
Updated July 15: According to the Associated Press, ” … an autopsy confirmed Tuesday [July 14] that “Glee″ star Naya Rivera died from accidental drowning, officials said, while her family released a statement honoring her ”everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit.”
— orignal article from July 14 appears below …
On July 13, six days after “Glee” actress Naya Rivera was reported missing after renting a pontoon boat with her four-year-old son, the beloved actress’ body was finally found and recovered from Lake Piru in Ventura County, California.
Sheriff Ayub with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office confirmed at a press conference yesterday that the lifeless body recovered from the lake was indeed that of Naya Rivera, tweeting:
“ … Our hearts go out to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of her death.” ~ Ventura Co. Sheriff
The Sheriff also said that Rivera’s death was not the result of suicide or foul play.
On July 8, Rivera was reported missing after a swimming accident in Ventura County, California, after she reportedly rented a pontoon boat to enjoy a three-hour excursion on the Southern California waters of Lake Piru with her toddler son. Rivera’s four-year-old son was found alive and well – but all alone on the boat. He told rescuers that his mom had jumped in the water and never came back.
Her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, told his rescuers that his mom helped him get back on the boat after the two went for a swim – but that his mom never got back in the boat. Josey said that after she helped him get back into the boat that he turned and saw her disappear under the water, according to Sheriff Ayub.
Rivera, 33, saved her son’s life, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said in a press conference Monday. “She mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself,” Ayub said, according to CNN.
By July 9, the Ventura County Sheriff shifted its search for the missing actress from a search and rescue operation to a recovery operation.
Rivera portrayed a cheerleader named Santana on the hit TV show “Glee” and appeared in 113 episodes during the show’s run. Celebrity condolences and tributes are flooding social media – including two very poignant ones from celebrities Demi Lovato and Amber Riley.
Rivera’s son Josey is reported to be fine, and safely in the care of family members.
For more on the untimely and tragic death of actress Naya Rivera, see the video accompanying this article.
~ Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today / Connect with Richard on Facebook and Twitter
