The World Remembers Naya Rivera
On July 13, 2020, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department recovered and identified the body of actress and performer Naya Rivera after six days of searching Lake Piru, in Fillmore, California, where she had rented a boat with her 4-year-old son on July 8. The announcement of her death falls 7 years to the day of the passing of close friend and fellow “Glee” co-star, Cory Monteith.
The news conference has concluded. Sheriff Ayub has confirmed the body recovered at Lake Piru today was Naya Rivera. 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.
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) July 13, 2020
It’s not enough to just say that Naya Rivera was incredibly talented. She was all that and more. Best known for her role as Santana Lopez on “Glee”, Naya had an amazing voice, unmatchable ability to dance, and incredible comedic timing, wit, and charm. Along with being an actress, known not only for “Glee” but also “The Royal Family”, “Family Matters”, “The Bernie Mac Show”, Step Up: High Water, and more, Naya was also an author, singer, mother, sister, daughter, and friend.
With all that, she was also an incredible champion for the LGBTQ+ community, working with organizations such as GLAAD and The Trevor Project through the years. Additionally, she often used her voice and platform to speak on many key topics and issues, such as Black Lives Matter, the significance of exercising your right to vote, the importance of having more diverse characters in television, and more.
Since the confirmation of Naya’s tragic passing, fellow “Glee” castmates, along with many other friends and fans of Naya, have taken to social media to share their thoughts, condolences, and memories.
Jane Lynch
Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.
— Jane Lynch (@janemarielynch) July 13, 2020
Jenna Ushkowitz
Kevin McHale
Chris Colfer
Becca Tobin
Alex Newell
Now more than ever we must lift her family and friends up especially Josey! My heart is sent to them... Josey you are truly loved by every single person who loves your mommy! I love you Naya!
— Alex Newell (@thealexnewell) July 13, 2020
Vanessa Lengies
Michael Hitchcock
Naya brought so much joy to our lives. She had the sharpest wit, the slyest smile, a compassion for people from all walks of life, and a talent that knew no bounds. My deepest condolences to her family, friends, co-workers, and fans around the world. We love you so much, Naya.
— Michael Hitchcock (@hitchmichael) July 13, 2020
NeNe Leakes
Damian McGinty
Just unbelievable. Grateful to have known you and worked with you and your talent. RIP Naya. ❤️
— Damian Mc Ginty (@damianmcginty) July 13, 2020
Curt Mega
Dominic Tracy
Kristin Chenoweth
Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you. pic.twitter.com/CFNmwgtSva
— Kristin Chenoweth (@KChenoweth) July 13, 2020
Tamera Mowry-Housley
Tia Mowry
Tahj Mowry
Josh Sussman
? Naya, you will be missed so much. ?
— Josh Sussman (@JoshSussman) July 13, 2020
Robert Ulrich
Sending love and prayers to Naya's family and friends. So very sad...
— Robert J. Ulrich (@RobertJUlrich) July 13, 2020
Viola Davis
Prayers for Naya Rivera's family. Man....can we have a "Do Over " of 2020. The loss is too much ???? pic.twitter.com/63iNdRikv5
— Viola Davis (@violadavis) July 13, 2020
Kehlani
the reason songbird by fleetwood mac is one of my favorite songs ever is because of the glee soundtrack version. she transformed it. ?? Rest Easy Naya Rivera
— Kehlani (@Kehlani) July 13, 2020
God cover and hold her loved ones!
Bebe Rexha
This is an absolute nightmare. I had the pleasure of having dinner with her once after a recording session we did together and she was an absolute sweetheart. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you up in heaven. Rest In Peace Naya Rivera
— Bebe Rexha (@BebeRexha) July 13, 2020
Yvette Nicole Brown
I am truly heartbroken to hear of the confirmed loss of this amazingly talented woman.
— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) July 13, 2020
I have watched her shine since she was a little girl on #TheRoyalFamily. She deserved to have a long life full of every good thing. I’m gutted that that will never be.#RIPNayaRivera ? https://t.co/jgBma9JH3q
Josh Gad
Sick to my stomach. RIP #nayariverahttps://t.co/OYwWQMgCoh
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 13, 2020
Ashley Benson
RIP sweet naya
— Ashley Benson (@AshBenzo) July 13, 2020
Before Naya’s passing was confirmed by officials, many of her friends shared their hope of finding her on social media.
Heather Morris
Amber Riley
Show some respect. All our energy is going toward helping find Naya and praying for her safe return and for her family. No one owes anyone online a performance of grief. This is very real and devastating. Focus on Naya and her family. Not us. We don’t matter right now.
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) July 12, 2020
#helpfindnaya #NayaRivera #nayariveramissing
— Amber Patrice Riley (@MsAmberPRiley) July 12, 2020
Kevin McHale
I cannot begin to understand what Naya’s family must be feeling. I know the rest of us are completely shattered, but not without hope. Please respect her family & their privacy in this moment. Please refrain from judging those who don’t show their pain on social media. ♥️ https://t.co/DXsUj3qdCh
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) July 12, 2020
Max Adler
Demi Lovato
I don’t tweet often but sometimes my tweets come true so, together let’s manifest on twitter that Naya will be found safe and sound!! Come on y’all! Let’s put this energy out there: they will find her healthy and alive!! ??????
— Team Demi (@ddlovato) July 10, 2020
As you can see, Naya was incredibly loved and cherished by so many. Her legacy will live on through her incredible work, and she will be honored by her friends, family, and fans forever. She was truly an incredible tour de force in all aspects of her life and career.
As Naya had said in the caption of her Instagram post just days before her passing, tomorrow isn’t promised. Please take this insane tragedy and use it as a reminder to treat each and every day as a blessing, and to hold those you love close to you always.
Our deepest thoughts and condolences to all of Naya’s friends, family, fans, and loved ones. Our heart goes out to you. To Naya, you will be so missed and you are so loved. Thank you for everything you’ve given to us throughout your years. Rest in paradise, and say hi to that Frankenteen Cory Monteith for us. I’m sure you’re sharing the biggest hug right now.