The Cast Of Glee Reacts To Naya Rivera's Disappearance
The news that Glee star Naya Rivera is missing and presumed dead has shocked everyone. The Ventura County Star reported that Rivera, 33, disappeared from a rented boat on July 8. Her disappearance was noticed after her 4-year-old son, who was also on the boat with her, was found alone on the boat. Sheriff's officials said that the incident appears to be an accident and there is no evidence of foul play. Rivera's son is now safe with family.
Rivera played Santana on Glee from 2009 to 2015. A TV mainstay, Rivera's first television role was playing Hillary Winston on The Royal Family from 1991 to 1992 (per IMDb). She currently stars as Collette Jones on the show Step Up: High Water.
Several of Rivera's Glee castmates have reacted to her disappearance and have asked people to pray for her as search efforts continue.
Update: The Ventura County Sheriff's Department has confirmed that the body of Naya Rivera, 33, has been recovered, as reported by People. "We are confident the body we found is that of Naya Rivera," Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said at a news conference. "It has been an extremely difficult time for her family throughout this ordeal ... our hearts are with them and we share in their grief for Naya's loss."
Naya Rivera's Glee castmates are praying for her following her disappearance
Heather Morris, who played Santana's love interest, Brittany, reacted to the disappearance on her Instagram Story (via Insider). "We need all the prayers we can get to bring our Naya back home to us," she wrote. "We need your love and light." Demi Lovato, who also played one of Santana's love interests, Dani, similarly took to her Instagram Story and asked people to pray for Rivera "to be found safe and sound."
Other cast members took to Twitter to react to the news of Rivera's disappearance. "Praying," wrote Harry Shum Jr., who played Mike, in a tweet. Chord Overstreet, who played Sam, also tweeted. "Love and hug on the people you can, while you can," he wrote. "I love you. Everyone please send out your prayers."
"Oh God... mercy... please," tweeted Iqbal Theba, who played Principal Figgins. Sugar Motta actress Vanessa Lengies also expressed her concern for Rivera on Twitter. "I love her," she wrote. "I love you. Holding you tight."