Body of “Glee” actress recovered from Lake Piru after tragic accident

PIRU, CALIFORNIA—A tragic accident on Lake Piru in Ventura County led to the death of “Glee” actress Naya Rivera.

Ventura authorities announced July 13 they found what they believe to be the 33-year-old’s body in Lake Piru, five days after the actress was first reported missing.

According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Rivera rented a boat at the lake July 8 and went for an excursion with her 4-year-old son. The boat was found drifting in the northern portion of the lake with the child alone and asleep onboard. Rivera’s son told investigators that he and his mother had been swimming in the lake, and he got back in the boat, but Rivera did not.

Sheriff personnel along with a helicopter, boat crews, divers, and unmanned aerial vehicles searched the lake on July 8 and the days following.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub speculated it was possible Rivera got caught in some currents that appear in the lake in the afternoon. Going on to say the boat was unanchored and could have drifted.