Naya Rivera’s cause of death has been confirmed as drowning.
The Ventura County Medical Examiner completed an autopsy earlier today, determining her wounds were “consistent with a drowning”.
The 33-year-old actress’ body was recovered from a Californian lake yesterday morning, six days after she first went missing.
According to E! News, the report read: “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.”
Naya Rivera’s cause of death has been confirmed as drowning (Image: Getty Images for Libertine)
Rivera became a missing person on Wednesday, July 8, after her four-year-old son Josey was found floating alone on her rented boat at Lake Piru.
Yesterday, Ventura County officials confirmed a body had been recovered from the lake, which was later identified as Rivera’s.
In a press conference, Sheriff Bill Ayub revealed an autopsy would be carried out to investigate Rivera’s cause of death.
Naya’s friends and family gathered around Lake Piru to pay their respects (Image: Getty Images)
He said: “Based on the location where the body was found, physical characteristics of the body, clothing found of the body and the physical condition of the body, as well as the absence of any other persons reported in the area, we are confident the body we found is that of Naya Rivera.”
Sheriff Ayub also shed light on Rivera’s likely final moments, speculating she struggled to stay afloat when she went swimming with her young son in the reservoir.
He said: “It would be speculation to say at this point there are a lot of currents in the lake that appear particularly in the afternoon.
Rivera was swimming with her young son when the accident occurred (Image: Getty)
“We believe it was mid-afternoon when she disappeared, the idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting. It was unanchored.
“She mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat but not enough energy to save herself.”
According to police witness statements, Josey watched his mother disappear into the water after she helped him on to the boat.
Sheriff Ayub added that “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.”
Since news of her death broke, tributes from her Glee castmates and other Hollywood stars have been flooding in, highlighting Rivera’s legacy on the screen.
A memorial service for the beloved actress is expected to be held at a later date.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
