Monday, the body of “Glee” star Naya Rivera has been found at Lake Piru after six days of searching.
What We Know:
- Ventura County authorities have confirmed at a press conference on Monday that the body found in Lake Piru was actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing on Wednesday after renting a pontoon boat for three hours with her four-year-old son, Josey. When park employees noticed that the boat had not been returned, they sent one of the park employees out to search for it and found Josey alone on the boat, sleeping with his life vest, while an adult life vest was still on board.
- Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said in the press conference that they’d searched the area where Rivera was found, but they believe she was entangled in the “shrubbery” underneath. He also said that “advanced decomposition” was the reason they were able to find Rivera. “…the body fills with gas, becomes more buoyant, and then surfaces on its own.”
- Naya Rivera was known for the role Hillary Winston on “The Royal Family” at just four years old and Santana Lopez on hit musical series “Glee.” Rivera also received a nomination for a Young Artist Award. The “Glee” ensemble was nominated for a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Don’t Stop Believin’.”
- Rivera was signed to Columbia Records in 2011 and released a single in 2013 called “Sorry,” featuring ex-fiancé and rapper Big Sean, who she was engaged to in 2013, but the relationship ended in 2014. Soon after, Rivera married Josey’s father, actor Ryan Dorsey, in Cabo San Lucas, and divorced in 2018, sharing custody of their son.
- Naya also starred in a horror film called “At the Devil’s Door” in 2014, she picked up a recurring role on the Lifetime series “Devious Maids” in 2015, she appeared in the 2017 film “Mad Families,” and was a cast member of the YouTube Premium show “Step Up: High Water.”
Naya Rivera was 33 years old and is survived by her son.
