By Abb Jones
The Reelness

Authorities say they believe actress Naya Rivera, breakout star of the TV show Glee, has drowned  after she was reported missing Wednesday while boating on Lake Piru just north of Los Angeles with her four-year-old son. Search and recovery operations continue.

Authorities say another boater contacted them after spotting the rented pontoon boat adrift Wednesday afternoon with Rivera’s young son Josey sleeping onboard. The toddler, who was wearing a life vest, said he and his mom had been swimming but that she hadn’t gotten back on the boat. An adult life vest was found on the boat.

Rivera played sassy high school cheerleader Santana Lopez on the Fox TV show Glee from 2009 to 2015, appearing in nearly every episode of the popular musical/dramedy. Most recently, Rivera had a recurring role on the YouTube Premium show Step Up.

Rivera was previously married to actor Ryan Dorsey (Ray Donovan, Bosch). They divorced in 2018 and share custody of Josey.

Among Rivera’s last social media posts a couple of days ago was one with her son as well as an inspirational message on Instagram encouraging people to make the most of each day, because tomorrow is not promised.

Rivera turned 33 on January 12th.