The body of “Glee” actress Naya Rivera was recovered from Lake Piru on Monday afternoon after she was reported missing last Wednesday while on a boat outing with her son. Rivera’s son Josey was found alone, sleeping aboard a rental boat and later told authorities that they both had gone swimming and that his mom disappeared under the surface.
According to Sheriff William Ayub of the Ventura County Police department, Rivera’s body was found near the surface of the lake.
“Based on the location where the body was found, physical characteristics of the body, clothing found on the body and the physical condition of the body, as well as the absence of any other persons reported missing in the area, we are confident the body we found is that of Naya Rivera,” Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said at a press conference.
The conditions at Lake Piru have made the search especially difficult due to the debris on the lakebed and the poor visibility of the water. The area of the lake where the actress’s body was found is described as being between 35 to 60 feet deep.
Investigators do not suspect foul play or believe Rivera meant to intentionally harm herself. Her body is being taken to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s office where an autopsy is currently being performed to verify the cause of death.
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
The Ventura County Sheriff’s department had been searching the lake since she was reported missing six days earlier and have used social media to update the public on new efforts taken to find Rivera. Search efforts later expanded to include the aid of people from nearby counties along with the use of helicopters, dive teams, sonar equipment, and ground personnel.
CCTV footage of Rivera and her son arriving at the dock was later released by the department showing them taking the boat out on the water .
Barring criticisms on social media, the Sheriff’s department released videos and photos of their daily efforts while discouraging people from showing up to Lake Piru to help search.
On Sunday, the surrounding cabins, outbuildings and shoreline were searched again after being criticized for not being thoroughly searched.
The “Glee” cast gathered at the shore of Lake Piru, presumably to pay their respects to the late actress as her body was found on the anniversary of their co-star, Cory Monteith’s death.
This photo of the cast of #Glee gathering together at Lake Piru today where #NayaRivera’s body was found is incredibly powerful — especially when you consider today is the 7 year anniversary of Cory Monteith’s death. I’m a mess. pic.twitter.com/RhY9hUb78E
— Dave Quinn (@NineDaves) July 13, 2020
Rivera was 33, and is survived by her son and former husband Ryan Dorsey.
