Glee stars pay tribute to Naya Rivera

After being declared a missing person when her four-year-old son Josey was found alone on a boat in Lake Piru, California, on Wednesday 8th July, last night (Monday 13th July), police confirmed the body they'd found in the lake was former Glee actress Naya Rivera.

A statement from the Ventura Country Sheriff's office reads, '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.' (sic)

Following the tragic news, which arrived on the anniversary of former co-star Cory Monteith's tragic death, Naya's former Glee co-stars and fans paid tribute to the 33-year-old on social media.

Will Schuester, played by actor and judge of The Greatest Dancer Matthew Morrison, wrote, 'Naya was a such a powerful force, in both her personal life and in her work. While so many of us were trying to find our voice, Naya’s was clear and resolute. When she spoke, you would embrace every last word. And when she sang, she would let you into her soul. Glee acted as only a snippet of her life that we all, thankfully, had the honor of witnessing. But Naya would shine brightest when surrounded by her wonderful family.

'A common passion we both shared recently was that of our roles as parents. Naya was fervent about motherhood and had a steadfast love for Josey. It is that powerful love that ensures us that her story does not end here. I’m confident that her positive influence will be continuously felt, and that her beautiful spirit will carry on in the lives of so many. I’m devastated by this immense loss. This week has been long and trying with much praying and hope. I find some solace in closure, but the pain I feel for her and her family cannot be measured. Rest in peace, keep shining down on us with your bright light.' (sic)

Dianna Agron, who played the role of cheerleader Quinn Fabray in Glee, shared her memories of her best friend and co-star, writing, 'Naya and I fell into stride with such ease, she was my first friend and ally on our show. In the pilot, our characters came and went with such swiftness. Our enthusiasm brimmed with all of the unknown. We tried to grasp what the other cast members must be feeling as we were working in such separate manners. We dared to dream. What if this show worked? Wouldn’t that be something? Something was brimming, it was palpable. And thank god it worked. Naya’s magnetic talent was going to be unleashed, we just didn’t know it yet. ⁣⁣

'I’ve been revisiting Naya’s performances on our show and it has brought me great joy. To work with her was a gift. There was a great deal to absorb - her work ethic, her fearlessness, her talent - supreme. Naya had a laugh that would envelop you and hold you captive. She was mesmerizing. That twinkle in her eye, her luminous smile. Naya lead with truth, humor, wit. I loved her for all of these reasons. ⁣⁣

'I loved her sense of curiosity and wanderlust. I was lucky enough to be her travel partner for some of my most favorite adventures. As I write this, I’m grinning with swelling memories of a spontenaous 36 hour excursion - one might even say diversion - to Paris. With Naya, everything was possible and would often simply unfold before us, almost magically.⁣⁣

'On this particular jaunt, within ten minutes of checking into our hotel, we found ourselves strolling the halls of L'École des Beaux-Arts, sipping wine from paper cups with students showcasing their latest work. It was fantastic. We were united in our commitment to discovery. And there was always a list of cleverly curated ideas in Naya’s back pocket, should we need it. ⁣⁣

'I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy. ⁣⁣

'In absolute, loving memory.' (sic)

Chris Colfer, who played the role of Kurt Hummel on the popular show, shared a throwback picture of the pair to his Instagram page, writing, '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. Her brilliance and humor were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. 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. 💔

'Sending all my love to her wonderful family and her beautiful son.' (sic)

Artie Abrams actor Kevin McHale took to Twitter to write, 'My Naya, my Snixxx, my Bee. I legitimately can not imagine this world without you.'. (sic)

Jane Lynch, who played the famous role of Sue Sylvester, added, 'Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.' (sic)

Pregnant actress Lea Michele, who played main character Rachel Berry throughout the series, took to her Instagram Story to pay a touching tribute to Naya, and her ex-boyfriend and co-star Cory Monteith.

Singer Demi Lovato, who played Naya's character's love interest in Glee, wrote, 'RIP Naya Rivera. I’ll forever cherish the opportunity to play your girlfriend on Glee. The character you played was groundbreaking for tons of closeted (at the time) queer girls like me, and your ambition and accomplishments were inspiring to Latina women all over the world.'

Jenna Ushkowitz (Tina Cohen-Chang) shared a lovely photo of herself and Naya laughing, telling fans, 'There are no words and yet so many things I want to say, I don't believe I'll ever be able to articulate exactly what I feel but... Naya, you were a ⚡️ force and everyone who got to be around you knew it and felt the light and joy you exuded when you walked into a room. You shined on stage and screen and radiated with love behind closed doors.

'I was lucky enough to share so many laughs, martinis and secrets with you. I can not believe I took for granted that you'd always be here. Our friendship went in waves as life happens and we grow, so I will not look back and regret but know I love you and promise to help the legacy of your talent, humor, light and loyalty live on.

'You are so loved. You deserved the world and we will make sure Josey and your family feel that everyday. I miss you already.' (sic)

Amber Riley, who played the role of Mercedes in Glee, left fans very emotional with her tribute. The actress shared a video of Naya and her son Josey singing into the camera.

She wrote alongside the video, 'My favorite duet partner. I love you. I miss you. I don’t have words right now, just lots of feelings. Rest In Peace Angel, and know that your family will never have to worry about anything.' (sic)

Becca Tobin, who joined Glee in season 3 as cheerleader Kitty Wilde, also shared a lengthy tribute to Naya, revealing how kind and welcoming she was when Becca joined the show.

She wrote, 'Naya was insanely talented, breathtakingly gorgeous, and one of the wittiest people I’ve ever met, but the legacy she left behind for me is her kindness.

'I joined the cast of Glee in the third season and as the newcomer, I was intimidated and terrified. The cast was already such a tight-knit group who had been working incredibly hard together for over three years to make it a hit show and I never expected any of them to have time for me. To my surprise, Naya, one of the most beloved by the rest of the cast (and the entire world), showed me instant warmth and kindness. She invited me to parties and gatherings and was always there to give advice. She was a superstar who had nothing to gain from being kind to the new girl, but she was and that changed this new girl’s entire experience on that show.

'I will forever be grateful to that beautiful human. My heart goes out to her family and her sweet boy. ❤️

Warbler Blaine Anderson, played by actor Darren Criss, wrote on Twitter, 'She was bold. She was outrageous. She was a LOT of fun. Naya made me laugh like no one else on that set. I always said it while we were working together and I’ve maintained it ever since. Her playful, wicked sense of humor never ceased to bring a smile to my face...' (sic)

Alex Newell, who played Unique Adams, shared a video of the pair on Instagram, remembering the good times with Naya.

Alex wrote, 'My heart is broken.. I truly had soo much fun filming this little segment... we both clearly didn’t wanna be there but made the most of it! Naya was truly a star.. one day as I was coming out of hair and make up I saw her sitting at base camp and she said “Alex... when you go on tour can you please say ‘everybody say heeeyy Ms. Newell’’ just for me!” I said absolutely we laughed and had a short little convo about life and music.. I’ll cherish that moment for ever!! I watched her preform with such power, brilliance, and honesty.. While being a light as a person! The love she had for her family and friends was always clear! She will truly be missed! Josey you are loved by all the people who love your mother! My thoughts and prayers are with her family! Rest Sweet Angel..' (sic)

Dancer Harry Shum Jr., who played the character Mike Chang, admitted he was struggling to process the tragic news, sharing a tribute to Naya on both Twitter and Instagram.

Read Harry's beautiful tribute below...

American actress Kristin Chenoweth, who appeared in Glee as a guest star a number of times, shared a picture of Naya hugging her son, writing, 'Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you.' (sic)

FOX TV, the channel Glee aired on between 2009-2015, paid their respects to Naya, writing, 'Naya Rivera was a fierce talent with so much more to do this is such a terrible tragedy. We are forever grateful for the indelible contribution she made to GLEE, from the first episode to the last'

'Our hearts are broken and our thoughts go out to Naya’s family, friends and young son'

Our thoughts are with Naya's family and friends at the tragic time.

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