Monday at Lake Piru in Southern California, the site where actress went missing last Wednesday while boating with her 4-year-old son. Divers recovered the body around 9:30 a.m. floating on the surface of the water, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.
Sheriff Ayub confirmed the body recovered was that of Rivera's during a Monday press conference. "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," theyRivera's four-year-old son told investigators that he and his mother had been swimming in the lake, and she helped him get back in the boat, but saw Rivera disappear under the surface of the water.
Following the news, Hollywood figures have taken to social media to pay tribute to the actress, whose career broke out in 2009 on Ryan Murphy's mega-hit Fox musical dramedy playing snarky cheerleader Santana Lopez. Following her role on the musical comedy-drama series, Rivera had a recurring role on the Lifetime drama series , which recently moved from its former home at YouTube to premium cable network Starz for its second season.
"Naya Rivera was a fierce talent with so much more to do and this is such a terrible tragedy. We are forever grateful for the indelible contribution she made tofrom the first episode to the last.
I’m devastated. I am sirtting here watching the wedding episode of Santana and Brittany and crying my eyes out. Naya was and always will be my favourite on Glee and I can’t believe that a person so talented, beautiful and kind is gone. She will forever be missed.
I'm surprised Gweneth even remembered who Naya was as she rarely seems to remember any of her colleagues.
💔💞
I remember seeing her for the first time on Glee. I had the biggest crush.😥
Holywood needs some fresh stars like me.
Note to self: always go boating w another adult 💔😓
I love you NayaRivera RIPNaya 💔🥀☄️See you on the other side!!!
Sorry to hear this!
She was a hero! ❤
May both rest in peace 🥺😢💔🙏🏻😭🕊
Sad and tragic poor kid Rip