Naya Rivera’s cause of death has been confirmed, one day after her body was found in Lake Piru following a five day search.
After completing an autopsy, the Ventura County Medical Examiner has determined her cause of death to be drowning, and the manner of death is accident.
The autopsy report states:Â “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.”
The attached document was just released by the Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office regarding Naya Rivera, whose body was found yesterday in Lake Piru. pic.twitter.com/6APEgrBPaQ
— Ventura Co. Sheriff (@VENTURASHERIFF) July 14, 2020
The Glee actress was declared missing on July 8, after her four-year-old son Josey was found alone on a rented pontoon boat in the middle of Lake Piru.
Five days later, the 33-year-old’s body was discovered floating at the surface of the lake.
During a press conference on Monday, Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said officials believe Naya and her son were swimming in the lake when they got caught in a current.
The sheriff said: “Her son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him on to the deck from behind. He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water.”
“There are a lot of currents on the lake that appear particularly in the afternoon,” he explained.
“We believe it was mid-afternoon when she disappeared, the idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting, it was unanchored, and that she mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
After her death was officially ruled as an accident, Naya’s family said in a statement: “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,” they added.
Naya is survived by her parents, Yolanda and George Rivera; brother, Mychal Rivera; sister, Nickayla Rivera; and son Josey.
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