It was a somber moment when the cast of “Glee” gathered together on the shore of Lake Piru in California – the site where Naya Rivera went missing.
In footage captured by ABC 7, Heather Morris and her cast mates were seen holding hands as they stood on the boat launch.
It was also reported that the creative force behind the hit Fox show – Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan – are currently in the midst of setting up a college for Naya’s 4-year-old son Josey.
Their joint statement reads:
“We are heartbroken over the loss of our friend Naya Rivera. Naya wasn’t a series regular when we cast her on Glee. She didn’t have more than a few lines in the pilot. But it didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realise that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with.
“Naya could act, she could dance, and she could sing (could she ever sing!). She could nail a joke as well as she could crush you with an emotional scene. She could move between being scary tough and deeply vulnerable with ease. She was a joy to write for, a joy to direct and a joy to be around.
“Naya was more than just an actor on our show – she was our friend. 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 three of us are currently in the process of creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”
Naya’s family also broke their silence following her tragic death. They said:
“We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers for Naya, Josey and our family over the past week. While we grieve the loss of our beautiful legend, we are blessed to honour her everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit. Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister.
Thank you to the men and women of the Ventura, Tulare, and San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Departments for your commitment and unwavering effort to find Naya. We extend endless gratitude and ovation to the heroine who found her. Thank you to her friends, colleagues, and fans for your continuous support.
Heaven gained our sassy angel. We kindly request that our privacy be respected during this very difficult time.”
