On Tuesday (14th July) it was confirmed in an autopsy that the 'Glee' star Naya Rivera died by accidental drowning. Her family said issued a statement honoring her “everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit.”
The examination was performed a day after Rivera’s body was found in a Southern California lake. There were no signs of traumatic injury or disease that could have contributed to her drowning and gave no initial indications of alcohol or drug consumption, stated the Ventura County Medical Examiner.
The 33-year old’s identity was confirmed using her dental records. Routine toxicology tests will be performed for the presence of drugs and alcohol.
Naya’s 4-year-old son was found asleep alone on a boat after which search for the actress began. She was found 5 days later on Monday (13th July) in Lake Piru. The findings of the autopsy were consistent with the expectations of the Sheriff’s Office.
A statement released by Naya’s family on Tuesday said “they are so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers for Naya, Josey and the family over the past week. While we grieve the loss of our beautiful legend, we are blessed to honor her everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit.”
The family also thanked the search team for their effort and commitment in finding Naya.
A statement was released by 'Glee' creators as a tribute to the actress wherein it was stated that they are creating a college fund for her son and remembering her as a joyful and immensely talented person.
Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Brad Falchuk in a statement said, “Naya was more than just an actor on our show, she was our friend.”
“Our hearts go out to her family, especially her mom, Yolanda, who was a big part of the ‘Glee’ family, and her son Josey,” the 3 producers said, referring to her son as “the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”
The producers said that Naya wasn’t supposed to be a part of the cast initially but after an episode or two they realized that they have found one of the most talented actors and special stars they would ever have the pleasure of working with.
They further said that in portraying a high-school student who is in an openly lesbian relationship on ‘Glee’, Naya made sure that her character’s love for her partner was expressed with dignity, strength, and pure intentions.
Rivera called her son as “my greatest success and I will never do any better than him”. Josey is her son with ex-husband, actor Ryan Dorsey.
