

- Naya Rivera's family paid tribute to their "beautiful legend" in a moving statement released to Deadline Tuesday.
- "Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister," Rivera's family said, adding, "Heaven gained our sassy angel."
- The family thanked rescue workers for their efforts to find Rivera, as well as her "friends, colleagues, and fans" for their support.
Naya Rivera's family released a moving statement Tuesday, after police confirmed on Monday, July 13, that a body found in Lake Piru, Southern California, belonged to the Glee star. Rivera is believed to have drowned while swimming in the lake after hiring a rental boat with her 4-year-old son, Josey; police said she saved her son's life by helping him back into the boat before she died.
The family statement, given to Deadline by Rivera's manager Gladys Gonzalez, paid tribute to a "beautiful legend" who was "an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister." Her family thanked the authorities who worked to find Rivera, as well as her "friends, colleagues, and fans" for their support. Deadline reports that Rivera is survived by parents Yolanda and George Rivera, sister Nickayla Rivera, brother Mychal Rivera, and son Josey.
Read the Rivera family's full statement below:
We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers for Naya, Josey and our family over the past week. 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.
Thank you to the men and women of the Ventura, Tulare, and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Departments for your commitment and unwavering effort to find Naya. 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.
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
The 30 Best Black TV Shows Ever
Clear your schedule. You have some binge-watching to do
By The Editors
-
The Cannes Film Festival 2022: The Best Red Carpet Looks
Here's what everyone wore for the festival's 75th year.
By Sara Holzman
-
Take a Tour of Ali Wentworth's Personal Library
The author and actress shares her favorite reads in 'Shelf Portrait.'
By Neha Prakash
-
68 Times the Kardashians Posed Fully Nude and Owned It
And we mean fully nude—as in, not a shred of clothing.
By Bianca Rodriguez
-
Who Is Jonathan Owens, Simone Biles's Fiancé and NFL Player?
"The easiest yes!" Simone wrote about the couple's engagement.
By The Editors
-
Surprise! Priyanka Chopra Jonas and Nick Jonas Are Parents
They welcomed a baby via surrogate.
By Neha Prakash
-
Meghan and Harry Share First Photo of Their Daughter Lilibet Diana
The Sussex's holiday card is here!
By Rachel Epstein
-
The 50 Best Celebrity Couple Halloween Costumes Ever
Honestly, we're impressed.
By Charlotte Chilton
-
Alicia Keys Gets What She Wants
With her jazzy new album, Keys, the singer stopped worrying about everything except what matters: Her own opinion.
By Jessica Herndon
-
Brooke Shields on Reinventing Yourself, Making Friends in Your 40s, and More
The actress and CEO shared inspiring advice during a panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein
-
Alicia Keys on Her Upcoming Album 'Keys,' Life Lessons From Her Mom, and More
The singer opened up during a special panel at 'Marie Claire's' "Power Trip: Off the Grid" conference.
By Rachel Epstein