Breaking News
‘Glee’ Star Presumed Dead After Lake Disappearance
Following her disappearance on Wednesday evening, hopes are fading for the rescue of Glee actress Naya Rivera.
The 33-year-old had taken her young son to Lake Piru, California. She rented them a pontoon boat on Wednesday afternoon, which was the last time she was seen. Around 4pm, the boat was overdue for return. A rental employee left to search for the boat, finding it shortly afterward.
The boy was later discovered, asleep in the boat. Rivera was nowhere to be found, and her life vest was left behind.
Foul Play Unlikely
Though the natural reaction is to suspect foul play in the young star’s mysterious death, police have all but ruled out the possibility. The lake was fairly isolated, but the event occurred during broad daylight far from land. After speaking with Rivera’s son, detectives do not believe Rivera ever made it to the shore, nor that anyone interacted with the pair.
Sgt. Kevin Donoghue with the Ventura County Sheriff said that Rivera’s son is “doing as well as can be expected.” “Our hearts and our prayers and thoughts go out to the Rivera family. This is a terrible tragedy for all of them and we hope to bring closure for that family,” said Donoghue in a statement.
‘From Rescue to Recovery’
“We’re presuming that an accident happened and she drowned in the lake. The goal is still to bring Naya Rivera home to her family so they can have some closure. [Josey] gave enough information to investigators to conclude that his mother never made it out of the water.” -VCSO pic.twitter.com/AlhAO6V3rw
— The AHS Zone (@ahszone) July 9, 2020
About 24 hours following her disappearance, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office changed the goal of their search from rescue to recovery. Speaking to media on Thursday, Deputy Chris Dyer said,
“We’re presuming that an accident happened and we’re presuming she drowned in the lake… The goal is still to bring her home to her family.”
“We’re going on the belief that she did go in the water and we have not been able to locate her.” Said Sheriff Spokesman Captain Eric Buschow. “So, this may well be a case of drowning.”
The search for Rivera has now transitioned from air, surface, and ground reconnaissance to an underwater focus. Dive teams that specialize in such recovery operations have been sent in from Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo, and nearby Tulare. The search team is employing high-technology equipment, such as sonar, in an attempt to locate Ms. Rivera’s body.
Glee Stars Send Prayers, Well Wishes
Heather Morris played the Rivera’s best friend and romantic interest in the popular show Glee. On Instagram, she posted,
“We need all the prayers we can get to bring out Naya back home to us. We need your love and light.”
Demi Lovato, a singer, and actress who had guest-starred as another love interest, wrote, “Please Pray for [Rivera] to be found safe and sound.” As hope began to fade, she later wrote, “Pray for Naya, nothing is impossible with God.”
Glee co-star Harry Shum Jr. tweeted, “Prayers up for the lovely Naya Rivera. We starred alongside one another in her first very television series, The Royal Family, and I've watched her career blossom ever since. Please God, don't cut this life short.”
Loved ones and fans are still praying for Ms. Rivera to be found safely. However, many now simply hope for a quick recovery, some closure, and an understanding of what happened on Wednesday.
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