The body recovered at Lake Piru in California earlier today has been confirmed to be that of the missing Glee actress Naya Rivera.
Sheriff Ayub of the Ventura County made the confirmation at a news conference, five hours after the body was picked up, following six days of searching.
“Our hearts go out to her family, friends and fans during this difficult time. An autopsy will be performed to determine the cause of her death”, Ayub said.
She didn’t return from a swimming excursion with her 4-year-old son, Josey Dorsey, on Wednesday, July 8.
Investigators believed she drowned in what appears to be a “tragic accident.”
It’s possible Rivera’s last act was saving the life of her son.
Ayub said the boy told investigators they were swimming and his mother helped boost him onto the boat. When he looked back she was gone.
The sheriff noted there are currents in Lake Piru, particularly in the afternoon, which is the time of day when she disappeared. Because the boat wasn’t anchored, it is possible that she “mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
An autopsy will be performed and dental records are expected to confirm the match.
