The co-creators of hit TV show Glee, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, revealed on Tuesday that they are “in the process of creating a college fund” for the four-year-old son of Naya Rivera.
It was confirmed earlier this week that authorities had found Rivera's body in their search of Lake Piru.
Sheriff Bill Ayub said:
"Today our search teams recovered a body in the lake. Based on the location where the body was found, physical characteristics of the body, clothing found on the body, and the physical condition of the body - as well as the absence of any other persons reported missing in the area - we are confident that the body found is that of Naya Rivera."
Ayub also said that Rivera's four-year-old son helped detectives with their investigation, as he recalled their final moments together. Ayub said:
"We know from speaking with her son that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey. it was during that time that she's son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him into the boat from behind.
"He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water."
Now, officials in California have stated that Rivera died of accidental drowning, after a post mortem examination was carried out. "The cause of death is drowning, and the manner of death is accident," the Ventura County's Medical Examiner stated.
"The autopsy findings are consistent with a drowning and the condition of the body is consistent with the time that she was submerged.
"No traumatic injuries or disease processes were identified at autopsy.
"There is no indication from the investigation or examination that drugs or alcohol played a role in the decedent's death, but specimens will be submitted for toxicology testing," the statement continued.
And now, the show for which Rivera was best known has come together to announce a college fund for her son. In a joint statement, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan announced their intention to set up the fund. Per the LA Times they said;
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our friend Naya Rivera.
“Naya wasn’t a series regular when we cast her on Glee. She didn’t have more than a few lines in the pilot. But it didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with.
“Naya could act, she could dance, and she could sing (could she ever sing!) She could nail a joke as well as she could crush you with an emotional scene. She could move between being scary tough and deeply vulnerable with ease. She was a joy to write for, a joy to direct and a joy to be around.”
As the statement continues, the trio celebrate Rivera's portrayal of an openly gay Afro-Latina cheerleader on prime time television, as well as the many iconic musical performances she delivered during her time on the show.
“Naya is responsible for numerous iconic Glee musical performances — The Adele Mash Up, Valerie, Songbird — but her greatest Glee legacy is probably the humor and humanity that she brought to Santana’s relationship with her best friend and eventual girlfriend/wife Brittany (played by Heather Morris),” they stated. “It was one of the first times an openly lesbian, high school relationship was seen on network television and Naya understood what ‘Brittana’ meant to the many young women who were seeing themselves represented on television for the first time.
“Naya always made sure that Santana’s love for Brittany was expressed with dignity, strength and with pure intentions. Naya was always moved by the girls who reached out to her to tell her how much Santana and Brittany’s love affected them. Naya’s obligation to them — and to all of her fans — was obvious. She had the rare combination of humility and endless confidence in her talent.”
Per abc.net.au, the statement continues, "Our hearts go out to her family, especially her mom, Yolanda, who was a big part of the 'Glee' family, and her son Josey.
"The three of us are currently in the process of creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all."
