Co-stars and fans are mourning the loss of Glee star Naya Rivera, whose body was recovered Monday, July 13, after she went missing in California’s Lake Piru the previous Wednesday. Her four-year-old son, Josey Dorsey, was found alone on a boat the same evening. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office mounted a daily search and rescue operation using boats, helicopters, sonar and dive teams in the effort to find her.
In a heartbreaking coincidence, Naya’s body was found on the seventh anniversary of the death of her fellow Glee star Cory Monteith, who died in 2013. Rivera is now the third member of the Glee cast to die under tragic circumstances; Mark Salling, another former co-star, died by suicide in 2018.
Tributes from Naya’s Glee colleagues and other entertainers poured in, reflecting on her talent, humor and the impact she had on colleagues and fans alike.
Chris Colfer wrote that it’s impossible to capture their decade of friendship and laughter in a single post. He praised Naya’s brilliance, humor, beauty and talent, saying she spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. Colfer recalled how she could lift people’s spirits with a single remark and how being close to her felt both like a badge of honor and a suit of armor. He sent love to her family and her son.
Adam Lambert, who guest-starred in Glee season 5, remembered sharing the stage with Rivera and highlighted the energy she brought to performances like their duet on Madonna’s “Into the Groove.”
Darren Criss described Naya as bold, outrageous and endlessly funny. He said she made him laugh like no one else on set and praised her playful, wicked sense of humor. Criss admired her rule-breaking spirit and class, and he expressed regret that the full extent of her talent may never be seen.
Jane Lynch offered a succinct tribute: “Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.”
Mike O’Malley remembered Rivera as hilarious, someone who lit up the set and embodied cool.
Jenna Ushkowitz shared a deeply personal message, reflecting on the light and joy Naya exuded whenever she entered a room. Ushkowitz recalled sharing laughs, martinis and secrets with Rivera, and admitted she’d taken for granted the idea that Naya would always be there. She promised to help keep Rivera’s legacy—her talent, humor, light and loyalty—alive, and pledged support for Josey and Rivera’s family.
Kevin McHale wrote that, although not religious, he felt as if Cory Monteith might have helped lead rescuers to Naya on the anniversary of Monteith’s death. In a longer tribute, Kevin called Naya one of the most quick-witted, talented people he had ever known, with a remarkable memory and an ability to nail scenes under pressure. He described their close friendship and the shock and anger he felt that there would be no more chances to see her work.
Demi Lovato, who played Rivera’s character Santana Lopez’s girlfriend Dani on Glee for a few episodes, said she would forever cherish that opportunity. Lovato noted that Rivera’s portrayal was groundbreaking for many closeted queer girls at the time and highlighted Rivera’s ambition and the inspiration she provided to Latina women around the world.
Alex Newell urged people to lift Rivera’s family and friends up, especially her son Josey, and sent love to them. Newell emphasized that Josey is loved by everyone who loved his mother.
Becca Tobin recalled Rivera’s warmth and kindness when she joined the Glee cast in season three. Tobin said Rivera welcomed and supported her as the new cast member, making her transition easier and changing her entire experience on the show. Tobin described Rivera as insanely talented, breathtakingly gorgeous and remarkably witty, and said her lasting legacy is her kindness.
Lea Michele quietly posted photos to her Instagram stories, including images of Cory Monteith, Naya Rivera and the cast on the beach. While reports of past tensions between some cast members were widely discussed, Michele’s public acknowledgment focused on shared memories with the cast.
Across social media and in personal messages, the recurring themes in tributes were clear: Naya Rivera’s talent, her humor, her fierce loyalty, and the warmth she extended to friends and colleagues. Many comments also emphasized a commitment to support Rivera’s son, Josey, and to preserve her memory and the doors she opened for representation on screen.