Officials confirmed that the body of Naya Rivera has been found. The 33-year-old went missing last Wednesday after a boating trip with her four-year-old son at Lake Piru, California. Monday, her body was discovered after a five-day search. Authorities believe that she and her son were caught in a current while swimming. With the information provided by her son, they believe she was able to push him onto the boat where he was safe before disappearing into the water.

Rivera is best known for her role on FOX’s Glee as Santana Lopez, a cheerleader who becomes part of the ragtag glee club at her high school and starred in the series throughout its six-year run. As a child star, Rivera had acted in many popular shows of the 1990s and early 2000s, including a main role on the sitcom The Royal Family. She also appeared in guest-starring roles as a child on Family Matters, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air and more. As a teen, she also recurred on Soul Food and The Bernie Mac Show.

After Glee, Rivera had a recurring role in Lifetime’s Devious Maids. Her last starring role was as dance academy head Collette Jones in the YouTube Red series Step Up: High Water. She was preparing to return to the show to headline its third season, set to bow in 2021 on Starz after the series was saved from cancellation once YouTube got out of the scripted series space.

Our thoughts are with Rivera’s loved ones during this difficult time.

READ MORE:

Starz Revives ‘Step Up’ Series Starring Ne-Yo And Naya Rivera After YouTube Cancellation

 

Photo: Getty