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"Glee" star Naya Rivera died of accidental drowning, the Ventura County medical examiner said on Tuesday, marking the third tragic passing of a cast member from the popular television musical series.
Rivera, 33, was found dead in Lake Piru, near Los Angeles, on Monday, five days after going missing on a boating trip with her young son.
The medical examiner's report said there was no indication that drugs or alcohol played a role in her death and no traumatic injuries or other medical conditions.
Rivera played cheerleader Santana Lopez on the 2009-2015 TV series about a high-school choir. Her drowning followed the drug overdose in 2013 of actor Cory Monteith, who played footballer Finn, and the 2018 suicide of Mark Salling (Puck) after pleading guilty of possession of child pornography.
Naya Rivera's Mom Yolanda Rivera is seen on lake Piru, near Los Angeles, California, after her daughter's body was found after 5 days of searching, July 13, 2020. /VCG
Rivera's body was recovered near the surface of the water, in an area where the boat was found, that was 35 to 60 feet deep (11-18 m) and with heavy brush and trees underwater, officials said.
Rivera's four-year-old son, Josey, who was discovered alone and sleeping on the boat, told authorities he and his mother had both gone swimming in the lake, a recreational reservoir about 50 miles (80 km) north of downtown Los Angeles.
Sheriff's officials in charge of the search said on Monday it was not clear what happened, but that Rivera's son had told investigators his mother pushed him back into the boat but did not get back in herself. Rivera was not wearing a life vest.
The creators of "Glee," Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, said Tuesday they were setting up a college fund for Rivera's son.
"Glee" star Naya Rivera, 33, is believed to have drowned while swimming in Lake Piru, near Los Angeles, with her 4-year-old son, who was found asleep on their rental pontoon boat after it was overdue for return. Her body was found July 13, 2020./VCG
"She was fun. She was kind. She was generous," the three producers said in a statement. "Naya was more than just an actor on our show – she was our friend."
A college fund is being created for Rivera's son by the creators of "Glee," who remembered the performer as joyful and immensely talented.
(With input from Reuters)
(Cover: Actress Naya Rivera attends her book signing for 'Sorry Not Sorry' at Barnes and Noble at The Grove in Los Angeles, California, September 13, 2016. /VCG)