Glee star Naya Rivera's death ruled an accident by medical examiner

Glee star Naya Rivera's death has been ruled an accident by the medical examiner's office.Glee star Naya Rivera's death has been ruled an accident by the medical examiner's office. The actress's body was recovered from Lake Piru in Southern California on Monday after she was reported missing following a boating trip with her four-year-old son on July 8 .

A full autopsy has now been performed and the 33-year-old death declared an accident. She drowned, the medical examiner said.No traumatic injuries or evidence of disease were found and there was no indication that alcohol or drugs played a part in Rivera's death.

But specimens from the body will be submitted for toxicology testing, the medical examiner added. Since news of her death was confirmed tributes have been pouring in for Rivera , best known for playing cheerleader Santana Lopez on TV musical-comedy Glee from 2009-2015.

The show's creators, Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan and Brad Falchuk, shared their own tribute, and announced plans to establish a college fund for her son Josey Hollis.In a joint statement, they praised her work on the show and saying she was a "joy to write for, a joy to direct and a joy to be around".

Her portrayal of Santana, an LGBT character who proved hugely popular with fans, was described as groundbreaking. The creators said: "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." Murphy, Brennan and Falchuk said Rivera was a "real pro" who "always kept everyone laughing on the set".

They added: "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 creators are now establishing a college fund for Josey. Their tributes came as Glee cast members told of their grief following Rivera's death.

Gwyneth Paltrow, who is married to Falchuk, had a recurring role on the show and said she is in "utter shock and disbelief". She shared a clip from Glee of her performing alongside Rivera and described it as a "special moment".

Dianna Agron starred in Glee as Quinn Fabray, a close friend and fellow cheerleader of Nivera's Santana. Alongside a poignant picture of her and Nivera touching noses, she wrote: "I cannot make sense of this tremendous loss. I will hold onto her and these memories for the rest of time, alongside our Glee family. Please hold space for her, her family, her beautiful boy.?"

Darren Criss played Blaine Anderson on the show and paid tribute to a "wild, hilarious, beautiful angel". Demi Lovato, who played Rivera's on-screen girlfriend, said she would "forever cherish" starring alongside her.

And Chris Colfer shared a lengthy tribute on Instagram, celebrating his more than 10-year friendship with Rivera.

Reference: Evening Standard: Sean Morrison 3 hrs ago 15th July 2020