Glee actress Naya Rivera is missing after her son was found alone in a boat she rented in Lake Piru. The 33-year-old actress is feared dead as reports confirm that Rivera went swimming with her son but did not return to the boat.
Rivera’s four-year-old son was wearing a life support jacket and an adult life jacket was found on the boat, according to a police report.
The local police department responded to a report of a toddler alone in a boat on Lake Piru. Responding officers found Rivera’s son and took him to safety.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said that they have deployed an air search unit and dive team to search for Naya Rivera but has suspended the search until daylight. The Sheriff Department tweeted a video of the search effort.
“The missing person at Lake Puru has been identified as Naya Rivera, 33, of Los Angeles. SAR operation will continue at first light.”
The missing person at Lake Puru has been identified as Naya Rivera, 33, of Los Angeles. SAR operation will continue at first light. @VCAirUnit @fillmoresheriff @Cal_OES pic.twitter.com/bC3qaZS3Ra
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) July 9, 2020
Rivera’s son is reportedly in good condition
According to multiple reports, a car presumed to belong to Rivera was still parked at the Lake Piru. The actress rented a boat and was reportedly swimming with her son Josey. Lake staff were reportedly concerned when the rented boat was not returned and found her son alone. They reported the incident to the local sheriff department.
Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Capt. Eric Buschow gave the Los Angeles Times an update on Rivera’s son’s condition, revealing that “he’s in good health,” adding “The family is going through a very traumatic time right now.”
Two days ago, Rivera tweeted a photo with her son with the following caption: “just the two of us.”
While Rivera is not confirmed dead, she is presumed to have drowned in the river as rescue helicopters, divers, and drones searched for many hours for the actress.
Naya Rivera is currently starring in Starz TV series Step Up
Riveras started her career as a child actress and is best known for portraying Santana Lopez on hit series Glee from 2009-15.
The former Glee actress was in a relationship with rapper Big Sean in 2013, the then-couple became engaged but ended their relationship the following year. Rivera welcomed her son, Josey Hollis, with then-husband Ryan Dorsey in 2015.
Rivera and Dorsey finalized their divorce in 2018 and they reportedly share custody of Josey.
Rivera is currently starring in Step Up, a dance drama that was canceled on YouTube after two seasons and subsequently picked up by Starz.