Naya Rivera Death Ruled As ‘Accidental Drowning’ As Family Release Heartbreaking Statement

An autopsy report has confirmed that Naya Rivera died from accidental drowning after going missing at Lake Piru in California last week.

The news came as Naya's family broke their silence on the actress' tragic death, calling her an "amazing talent, but an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister."

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The statement, released to Deadline, reads: "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.

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"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."

Naya's body was found on Monday, following a five day search after the 33-year-old was reported missing on Wednesday 8th July.

Naya had rented a boat for her and her four-year-old son Josey to take out on Lake Piru, but hours later and Josey was found asleep in the boat alone.

Josey later told investigators he and Naya had been swimming together, but that his mum didn't make it back into the boat. He said he had watched her disappear beneath the surface of the lake.

Police believe Naya "mustered enough strength to save her son but not herself."

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Sheriff Bill Ayub explained: "We know from speaking with her son that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point in their journey.

"It was during that time that her son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him onto the deck from behind. He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear beneath the water."

An autopsy report, released by Ventura County Sheriff's Department, confirmed the cause of death was accidental drowning.

Our hearts go out to Naya's family, friends and loved ones.

Topics: Naya Rivera, News, Celebrity News

Lucy Devine

Lucy is a journalist working for Tyla. After graduating with a master's degree in journalism, she has worked in both print and online and is particularly interested in fashion, food, health and women's issues. Northerner, coffee addict, says hun a lot. Get in touch at [email protected].

@lucedevine