Advertisement

Glee cast hold hands by Lake Piru as Naya Rivera’s body is identified

ABC
ABC

The Glee cast joined together for a powerful moment of remembrance as their co-star Naya Rivera’s body was identified at a California lake.

The 33-year-old actress went missing at Lake Piru lake after hiring a boat with her four-year-old son last week.

Police announced on Monday that they had found a body at just after 9am local time and as they awaited confirmation of the identity, Rivera’s former colleagues, including Heather Morris, Amber Riley, Chris Colfer and Kevin McHale, joined together for an emotional show of solidarity.

The cast was pictured holding hands and looking out across the lake where Rivera, who played cheerleader Santana Lopez in the hit show, is believed to have drowned.

In mourning: The Glee cast joined hands by the lake where Rivera's body was recovered (ABC)
In mourning: The Glee cast joined hands by the lake where Rivera's body was recovered (ABC)

Just hours later, it was confirmed that the body was Rivera’s with authorities stating they do not suspect foul play.

The sad news came on the seven-year anniversary of the death of Rivera’s fellow Glee star, Cory Monteith.

Monteith, who starred as Finn Hudson, tragically died from an accidental drug overdose at the age of 31.

McHale and Colfer were among those who posted tributes to Rivera online when the tragic news of her death was confirmed.

Colfer, 30, wrote on Instagram: “How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post?

“How can you summarize a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t.”

The actor added that her “brilliance and humor were unmatched…. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly.”

“She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness,” he continued. “She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying.

“Being close to her was both a badge of honor and a suit of armor. Naya was truly one of a kind, and she always will be.” [sic]