NAYA Rivera was reportedly laid to rest in a private service two weeks after she was confirmed dead from drowning at California’s Lake Piru on July 13.
The 33-year-old Glee star was missing for five days before she was discovered by a search team following a tragic day of swimming with her four-year-old son, Josey.
According to the actress’ death certificate obtained by People, Naya was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on July 24. Ventura County officials also confirmed on the document that Naya‘s cause of death was “drowning.”
The record allegedly states that she died in a matter of “[minutes]” with “no other significant conditions” contributing to the death. On July 8, the mom of one “drowned” while “saving” her four-year-old son, Josey, at Lake Piru just outside of LA.
Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Naya’s identity using dental records.
Speaking at a news conference, officials said Naya’s body was found in the northeastern portion of the lake – which is 60 ft deep – and an “empty canyon” of growth.
The star’s only son, Josey, told police his mother “boosted him onto the deck of their rental boat from behind” before he “saw her disappear under the surface of the water” after they had climbed off the back of the boat and gone swimming.
Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said that Naya “must have mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
Naya’s autopsy confirmed the star drowned and her body had no signs of drugs or alcohol when she died.
An outpour of support – from fans, celebrities, and family – were posted on social media following the TV star’s death.
Earlier this week, Naya’s ex husband Ryan Dorsey took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking message in tribute to the mother of his child.
The actor – who shares Josey with his late ex – took to Instagram to share a heartbreaking tribute.
He said he would “always love” Naya and was grateful they were brought together to create the “sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for”.
Ryan wrote: “This is so unfair…there’s not enough words to express the hole left in everyone’s hearts. I can’t believe this is life now.
“I don’t know if I’ll ever believe it. You were just here… We were just in the back swimming with Josey the day before.
“Life just isn’t fair. I don’t know what to say…I’m thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for.
“I remember sometimes you used to get annoyed at me:
“‘Ryan can you stop snap chatting!’ Haha. I’m glad I didn’t listen to you because I have hundreds and probably thousands of snaps and videos that Josey will have forever and know his momma loved him more than life, and how much fun we had together as he was growing up.”
Ryan added: “Life is all about good times and bad times but with Josey it makes the bad a little less so because a part of you will always be with us.
“He’ll never forget where he came from. We miss you. We will always love you. Love you Meep.”
Ryan concluded: “Hold your loved ones close, and cherish the times you have with those you care about.”
