An autopsy confirmed that Glee star Naya Rivera’s death was an accidental drowning.
The Tuesday examination on Rivera’s remains showed no signs of traumatic injury or disease that might have contributed to her drowning and provided no initial indication that drugs or alcohol may have played a role in her death, according to the Ventura County Medical Examiner.
Dental records helped confirm Rivera’s identity, and routine toxicology tests are set to be performed to indicate any presence of drugs or alcohol.
The body of Rivera, who played the popular Santana Lopez on Glee, was found in Lake Piru on Monday after she had been missing for five days. Rivera was last seen boating with her 4-year-old son, who was found asleep and alone on the boat.
The late actress’s relatives said in a public statement they were “so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers” for her and their family. The family also thanked search teams for their “commitment and unwavering effort to find Naya.”
Glee creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan said in a statement on Tuesday that Rivera was “more than just an actor on our show” and also a friend. They expressed condolences to her family and her son, calling him “the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”
Rivera’s Glee co-stars Lea Michele, Chris Colfer, Jane Lynch, and Darren Criss, among others, have paid respect to Rivera on social media. A number of castmates were also present at the lake on Monday when Rivera’s body was discovered.
The cast of Glee with Naya Rivera’s family. I hope that they can find. This has all been absolutely heartbreaking. #nayariviera ? pic.twitter.com/PNDC2VbZQx
— Tim Stevens (@TimJoeJimSteve) July 13, 2020
“She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun,” Criss said in a tweet. “Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face.”
She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun.
Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face.
— Darren Criss (@DarrenCriss) July 14, 2020
