Breaking News
3:55 PM PT — Naya’s family has released a statement saying they’re grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers over the past week. They added, “While we grieve the loss of our beautiful legend, we are blessed to honor her everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit. Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister.”
The family also went on to thank the men and women of Ventura, Tulare, and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Departments for their commitment and unwavering effort to find Naya. The family said, “We extend endless gratitude and ovation to the heroine who found her. Thank you to her friends, colleagues, and fans for your continuous support. Heaven gained our sassy angel. We kindly request that our privacy be respected during this very difficult time.”
Naya Rivera‘s autopsy is now complete and officials confirm she died by drowning.
According to the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office … they had to confirm Naya’s identity using dental records. The cause of death is listed as drowning and the manner of death is an accident.
Officials say the autopsy findings are consistent with a drowning and the condition of the body is consistent with the time that she was submerged. They also said, “There is no indication from the investigation or examination that drugs or alcohol played a role in the decedent’s death, but specimens will be submitted for toxicology testing.”
TMZ broke the story … the “Glee” star’s body was recovered from Lake Piru Monday. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub‘s said there was nothing to indicate any foul play took place or that she died by suicide. Sadly, he said this was simply a tragic accidental drowning death.
Naya’s body was discovered in the northeast portion of the lake, near the surface of the water. The sheriff also said that, based on conversations with Naya’s 4-year-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, the 2 of them went out for a swim. But, while she was able to boost him back on the boat … she had disappeared below the surface.
The current was, apparently, very strong the day Naya went missing. Ayub said that may have contributed to her drowning. Also, the boat Naya and her son had rented that day was not anchored when they went for a swim.
As we reported … Naya was reported missing last week. She was later presumed dead as the search shifted from a rescue to a recovery mission. She was 33.
Originally Published 2:16 PM PT