Naya Rivera’s autopsy, on Tuesday, confirmed that the “Glee” star died from accidental drowning and her family released a statement honouring her “everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit.”
The 33-year old’s body was found in Southern California Lake and the examination showed no signs of traumatic injury or disease that might have played a part in drowning. The examination gave no sign of drugs or alcohol that may have played a part in the tragedy as well, the Ventura County Medical Examiner said in a statement.
Routine toxicology tests were performed to check for the presence of drugs or alcohol. Dental records were used to confirm Rivera’s identity.
Rivera was found in Lake Piru on Monday after a sudden disappearance for 5 days. She disappeared while boating with her son, who was found sleeping on the boat hours later.
Rivera’s family released their first public statement on Tuesday since her disappearance. The statement was in all praise for Rivera with condolences, saying, “so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers for Naya, Josey and our 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. An amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister … Heaven gained our sassy angel.”
The family thanked the search teams for their “commitment and unwavering effort to find Naya.”
Creators of Glee also released a statement to tribute the actor, on Tuesday, “Naya was more than just an actor on our show — she was our friend,” Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan said.
“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 three producers said, referring to the child as “the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.” While she wasn’t initially hired as a Glee cast member, it “didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with,” the producers said.
Josey is Rivera’s son from her former husband actor, Ryan Dorsey. She claimed her son as her “biggest success”.
