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Body found at California lake identified as 'Glee' star Naya Rivera

By Jean Lotus
Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said searchers were "confident" the body found was that of Naya Rivera, who starred in the hit series "Glee." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI
Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said searchers were "confident" the body found was that of Naya Rivera, who starred in the hit series "Glee." File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo

July 13 (UPI) -- Authorities in Southern California said Monday they believe that a body recovered from Lake Piru is that of actress Naya Rivera, who went missing while on the lake last week and was presumed drowned.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said searchers were "confident" the body was that of Rivera, who starred in the hit series Glee. Ayub said searchers found the body floating early Monday morning.

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Officials called the death an accident and said they did not suspect foul play.

Cast members from Glee and other friends reportedly "gathered for a prayer" in a reunion on the shore shortly before the body was found, reported e-online.

Family members and volunteers helped search the lake where the 33-year-old actress, who also starred in Devious Maids, disappeared while swimming last Wednesday.

Authorities later found her 4-year-old son alone wearing a life jacket and sleeping in a rented pontoon boat.

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Officials said Thursday they were treating the search as a recovery and the actress was presumed to be dead.

A few days before her disappearance on July 6, Rivera posted on her Instagram account, reminding her 2 million followers to never take their days for granted.

"No matter the year, circumstance, or strife, everyday you're alive is a blessing," Rivera wrote. "Make the most of today and every day you are given. Tomorrow is not promised."

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