July 8 marked the first anniversary of Naya Rivera’s tragic death. Her family and friends remembered her this year and shared their thoughts through social media. Rivera had an extensive career in television and singing, but her biggest role was as Santana Lopez, a lesbian cheerleader of Glee.
Rivera went missing on July 8 last year on California’s Lake Piru, while boating with her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey. Dorsey, now 5 years old, was later found alive while Rivera’s body was found five days later. Investigators determined that she accidentally drowned.
Her mother, Yolanda Pevitire, told ABC’s “Good Morning America” that she often is still overwhelmed with sadness. The last time she saw her daughter was the morning of the accident.
“I missed two of her FaceTime calls, and I called her back. And we had a beautiful conversation. The sun was kissing her face and she was just beautiful,” she said. “She had a white, beautiful swimming suit on and she was glowing.”
Nickayla Rivera, her sister, told “GMA” “if we could go back, we’d hug a little bit harder.” Her little brother, Mychal, said in a statement “One year without you, one year closer to when we will meet you again. Your endless energy lives on. May you continue to rest so graciously, Naya.”
Her friends from Glee also expressed their love to Rivera. Heather Morris, who played Brittany Pierce, shared a series of photos and videos, including one showing her getting a tattoo reading, “tomorrow is not promised.”
“You are the brightest star in my eyes Naya Rivera. I’m so grateful GOD LAYED A HAND and brought us together as best friends, mom friends, scene partners, and everything in between,” the Instagram posts says.
“I miss you. Every single day,” Kevin McHale wrote in his post.
Jenna Ushkowitz, who played Tina Cohen-Chang, wrote “Always a light, always with us,” she wrote. “My heart is with you and your family today. ♥️ love you Nougs.”
Matthew Morrison and Chris Colfer also shared photos of Rivera on their pages.
