Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said on Monday that actress Naya Rivera used the last of her strength to save her 4-year-old son before she died.
A body that was found at Lake Piru on Monday morning was confirmed as the former “Glee” star, the Ventura County Sheriff’s office said during a news conference. Rivera rented a pontoon boat at Lake Piru Wednesday, along with her son. The child told rescuers that he and his mother had gone swimming in the water, but she did not get back on the boat. He told police he then looked back and saw her vanish under the water’s surface, Ayub said.
Her son was found unconscious on the rented pontoon boat after his return was overdue. One life jacket was found on the boat, and another was worn by the boy. Rivera, 33, had been presumed dead after missing Wednesday. Her body was discovered floating in the northeast region of the lake where, after a six-day search. The water is between 35 and 60 feet deep Monday. Ayub said investigators are “confident” the body found to be Rivera. But the body is still being brought to the Coroner’s Office in Ventura County. It will be confirmed by dental record. Ayub said the department of the sheriff was “in close touch” with the family of Rivera.
Industry Mourns Naya Rivera’s Death
The actress is best known for her appearance on the Fox series “Glee” as Santana Lopez. It quickly received critical acclaim after debuting in 2009. She appeared in almost every episode of the much-loved music-comedy-drama that ended in 2015. Fellow cast members of Rivera’s “Glee” Cory Monteith and Mark Salling have died. Members of the show cast have taken to social media to mourn their costar. Also, expressed their condolences with the family of Rivera.
Rivera also appeared on the CBS sitcom “The Royal Family” and in the comedy film “The Master of Disguise.”
Recently she played the lead in the television series “Step Up,” based on the film franchise.
