Watch Naya Rivera Sing with Her Son Josey in a Video Posted by Her Friend Adam Shankman
Days after "Glee" actress Naya Rivera's body was recovered from Lake Piru, popular director, and producer Adam Shankman opens up about his mourning for the late actress.
In the early hours of July 13, the body of the missing "Glee" actress Naya Rivera was found in Lake Piru, where she was last located with her young son, Josey.
Naya Rivera as Santana on the sixth and final season of "GLEE" in January 2015. | Photo: Getty Images.
While many of her fans and friends have taken to social media to grieve for the loss of the vibrant light that was Rivera, producer, and director Adam Shankman who worked with her on many projects, joined the worldwide movement to share his tribute to Rivera. Shankman wrote on Instagram:
"People keep asking me what was @nayarivera like and how will you remember her. This post answers both questions. #ripnayarivera."
The producer's post was a touching video of Rivera and her 4-year-old, Josey, singing the popular children's song, "Skinnaamarink" together. What Rivera reflected in the video was an undeniable affection between the mother and son.
The compassion was evident in Rivera's face as she accompanied her son's child-like jumbled rendition of the melody. Shankman's fans and followers converged in the comment section to share how heartbroken they were at the loss of the terrific mom and actress.
Authorities confirmed that Rivera drowned in the lake after housing her son onto the safety of their boat.
The video Shankman posted came after his first official post on Instagram, mourning the loss of his friend and colleague on many occasions.
The director had first shared a throwback photo of himself with the late Rivera, coupling it with a lengthy caption in which he poured out his heart, reminiscing on the peculiarly amazing friend he had just lost. Shankman's caption read:
"Naya....I don't know how to write this or what to say, other then [sic] thank you for being my friend. Thank you for showing up for me personally and professionally over and over."
The caption went on to recall the memories Shankman shared with the deceased 33-year-old, narrating how they bonded over a hearty laughter-filled moment during a makeup mishap while playing "the lips" on the set of "The Rocky Horror Glee" show.
With a heavy heart, the 55-year-old director shared that they had just laughed at that funny memory the week before. He recalled how she agreed to join the cast of the "Step Up" series, which he co-produced, as a favor but ended up being the show's "North Star." He missed Rivera dearly.
The deceased was missing for days until her body was recovered in the early hours of the sixth day. The Ventura County Sherriff held a news conference following the discovery.
An autopsy was performed, and the authorities confirmed that she drowned in the lake after saving her son by hoisting him onto their boat.
The actress's family released a statement, thanking all those who supported them and offering their love and prayers over the entire week. Rivera was a sweet soul who left behind a great number of people that loved her dearly and would miss her always.