Naya Rivera, the actress best known for playing the role of Santana in the hit series Glee, was reported missing on Wednesday and is presumed to have drowned. Officials found her 4-year old son sleeping and unattended on a boat in Lake Piru in Ventura County, Southern California.
In “Glee,” Naya Rivera played Santana Lopez, a cheerleader and member of the Glee club. Her character was known for being brutally honest and blunt, and became a favorite among fans. Santana was among the first and only Latina lesbian characters on television, and her story revolved around coming to terms with her sexuality and dealing with consequences of being out. Her character was known for calling out other members of the Glee club for their shortcomings, something that spilled over into real life as she would often feud with series lead Lea Michele.
According to local authorities, Rivera rented a boat with her young son at Lake Piru in Ventura County. Hours later, another boater found Rivera’s boat drifting with her child sleeping alone on board. The child was wearing a life vest, but the adult life vest was still in the boat. The young boy said that he had gone swimming with his mother, but she did not get back on the boat after he did. Officials say that Rivera likely drowned, but have not been able to locate her body. The Ventura County Sheriff’s department will be enlisting the help of nearby counties to continue the search for her Thursday morning.
The search for Naya Rivera will continue this morning at Lake Piru. The lake will be closed to the public while search operations continue. Dive teams from throughout the region will be assisting us through mutual aid. @VCAirUnit @Cal_OES @fillmoresheriff pic.twitter.com/q6LsHd8xaT
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) July 9, 2020
Fans of the actress took to social media to share their prayers and hopes that Rivera would be found alive.
Some fans have rejected the media’s coverage to the news, calling outlets insensitive for the rhetoric they use to describe the actress. Several publications reference Rivera’s past relationships and accolades in their headlines instead of referring to her by her name. Publications have called her “Big Sean’s ex” or “Lea Michelle’s rival,” or simply “Glee star.” Twitter users were quick to point out that she is more than her work in entertainment and should be treated like a human being.
I’m sorry but Naya Rivera was more than her Glee character. She was a daughter, a friend, a sister and a mother. For you guys to not even call her by her real name in a time like this is so distasteful. Cut the memes and start spreading awareness. She’s a missing person.
— Z (@JlSOOMARAJ) July 9, 2020
