The search for 33-year-old actress Naya Rivera has come to an end.
Officials have located Naya Rivera’s body during their extensive six-day search of Lake Piru in California. Rescue workers found her body Monday morning on the northeast side of the lake. Medical examiners have contacted Naya Rivera’s family to identify her body formally.
In an afternoon press conference, Sheriff Bill Ayub says based on the clothes and the absences of any other reported missings persons in the area. The body found is most likely Naya Rivera’s.
Rivera went missing after renting a boat for a leisurely day at the lake with her 4-year-old son. The pair set out to relax on the lake around 1 PM Wednesday. Three hours later, another boater found the child sleeping all alone on the pontoon boat.
Rivera was not in sight.
Rescue efforts were immediate, which included drones, helicopters, sonar technology, and divers. Conditions of the water, according to rescue workers, were murky and confusing. They used a rope to help them find their way back to their boats during challenging dives. Lake Piru is between 35-50 feet deep with brush and physical obstructions in the water.
Naya Rivera Saved Her Sons Life
Police confirmed with her son that he and his mother went for a swim. Rivera boosted him up onto the boat, and when he turned around, his mother disappeared underneath the surface. Sheriff Bill Ayub believes the vessel drifted away from its original location. Rivera used all of her energy to save her son and place him back onto the boat. Unfortunately, she could not save herself.
Officials found no sign of suicide or indications of any foul play.
Two life jackets were available, one being worn by her son, the other found placed on the boat. It appears Rivera swam without her life preserver and did not survive.
Naya Rivera is best known for her role on Fox‘s hit comedic singing drama ‘Glee.’ Rivera appeared on the show for its entire run.
