The actress is presumed dead after going missing during a swimming trip with her son on 8 July. After she was reported missing, her son said that she jumped into the water but did not come back up.
On Monday, 13 July, a body was found at the lake after five days of searching for the actress. During a press conference that followed, the authorities said that they believed that the body believed to Rivera.
Ventura County Chief Sheriff, Bill Ayub said that based on the “location of 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,” his team is confident that the body belongs to Naya Rivera.
After the conference, celebrities and fans took to social media to share tributes to the actress. An overwhelming number of messages were from fans who were grateful for her influence while she played Santana on the popular TV show, ‘Glee’.
See some tributes below:
So sad to hear about @NayaRivera. ?? Such a beautiful, sweet and talented soul. Sending love and condolences to her family and loved ones. ? #RIPNayaRivera
— ParisHilton.eth (@ParisHilton) July 14, 2020
I won't be able to watch Glee now without crying… Naya was so talented woman who could inspire whole world with one word??#RIPNayaRivera pic.twitter.com/NKcjx8vWun
— Black Widow? welcome to clownverse (@wantyouxback) July 14, 2020
https://twitter.com/dailyglee9733/status/1282957557112479744?s=20
Growing up watching Glee, Santana was one of my favourite characters! Naya Rivera was not only fiercely talented with the most incredible voice, but she also brought queer, diverse representation to our screens, which was and still is so necessary! Far too young ? #RIPNayaRivera pic.twitter.com/ajUFQ1Xq3H
— Sebastian Singh (@SebDSingh) July 14, 2020
My heart breaks for Naya Rivera, her son Josey and their whole family as they grieve such an unspeakable loss tonight. The world has lost one strong woman who spent her final moments saving her son. The ultimate expression of a mother’s love… #RIPNayaRivera ??? pic.twitter.com/zGnQKrNHLo
— Melissa Blake (@melissablake) July 14, 2020
How her body was found on Cory's death anniversary was beyond me…all i know is im sad and heartbroken for this news…</3 she gathered all her strength to help her son survive but none left for her…i love you, naya! You just proved how great a mother's love is.#RIPNayaRivera pic.twitter.com/8rpY0RqSJw
— isabriella dolores marietes. (@weny00nleejeon) July 14, 2020
#RIPNayaRivera As an LGBT character on Glee, i got to grow up to you as my positive influence, and help my family normalize same sex couples every night when i came home from school to watch you ?? thank you thank you thank you for everything.
— eva gutowski (@lifeaseva) July 14, 2020
My fave on Glee. RIP Naya
RIP Naya. This is sooo sad and heartbreaking.
RIP Naya. Hope you find the peace that seemed to have eluded you. Watch over your little boy from above.