Yesterday, we reported that police had tragically found the body of former “Glee” actress Naya Rivera five days after she went missing while boating on Lake Piru in California with her 4 year-old son. Now, details about Rivera’s final moments before she drowned in the lake have been revealed.
The U.K. Mirror reported that during a press conference after her body was found, Sheriff Bill Ayub explained that Rivera, 33, and her son Josey had gone for a swim that fateful Wednesday afternoon.
“We know from speaking with her son that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey,” Ayub told reporters. “It was during that time that her son described being helped into the boat by Naya – who boosted him onto the deck from behind. He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the water.”
in naya rivera's final moments she got josey back on the boat. she died a selfless loving mother. a hero. you will always be loved and remembered naya. rest easy ❤️ #RestInPeaceNaya pic.twitter.com/v0OvKEkhq3
— angelica ミ☆ (@falIing50ft) July 13, 2020
Three hours after Rivera and her son got on their pontoon, it was found floating with Josey sleeping on the vessel alone. He was wearing a life vest, and another adult-sized life vest was found on the vessel as well, but Rivera was nowhere to be found.
“Naya’s son was later found asleep on the boat which was adrift in the northern portion of the lake, known as ‘The Narrows,’ when a leasing agent searched for the water craft which was overdue for return,” Ayub said. “The young boy was wearing a life vest when he was found and he was wrapped in a towel. An adult-sized life vest was found on the boat.”
“She must have mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat, but not enough to save herself,” he continued.
naya rivera died a selfless hero as she spent her final moments saving her son’s life. she will not be forgotten. grateful to have witnessed her talent in the industry. may she rest in paradise and sending all my love to her family and friends 💛 pic.twitter.com/T2yQUR9WuT
— ex. ²⁸ (@28tinytommo) July 13, 2020
Tributes have been pouring in for Rivera from fans who are devastated about her untimely passing.
“Definitely started crying when he said she used her last bit of energy to save her son but didn’t have enough to save herself,” one fan commented.
“Naya used her last breath, her last bit of energy, her last few moments alive to save Josey,” another fan added. “She saved his life & died just as an amazing mother & the hero she was every single day to that little boy. #nayarivera The whole world needs to know her love for this son of hers.”
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