Body of missing ‘Glee’ actress recovered from California lake

Naya Rivera, the American actress who was earlier declared missing after she and her young son embarked on a cruise ride, has been found lifeless in a California lake.

The 33-year-old film star had gone missing on Wednesday after she went swimming — which was permitted in that part of Lake Piru, north-west of Los Angeles — with her four-year-old son.

The little boy was later found alone and fast asleep. He was wearing a life jacket while his mum’s life jacket was found in the boat and her whereabouts unknown.

But speaking at a news conference on Monday, Williams Ayub, Ventura county sheriff, said Rivera’s body was found near the surface of the water in the northeastern portion of the lake.

Having earlier assumed the tragic incident as a case of drowning, Ayub noted that after the late actress’ body was examined, there was no indication of foul play or that she took her own life.

The news conference has concluded. Sheriff Ayub has confirmed the body recovered at Lake Piru today was Naya Rivera. 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 (@VENTURASHERIFF) July 13, 2020

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“The news conference has concluded. Sheriff Ayub has confirmed the body recovered at Lake Piru today was Naya Rivera,” Ventura county sheriff wrote on Twitter.

“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.”

Rivera had begun her career as a child actress and model, appearing in TV commercials in the US. As a four-year-old, she starred in the Royal Family sitcom while making other TV appearances.

She is best known for playing the cheerleader Santana Lopez in the musical comedy TV series ‘Glee’.