Authorities search for ‘Glee’ star believed to have drowned

Authorities planned Friday to renew the search for “Glee” star Naya Rivera, who is believed to have drowned in a Southern California lake while boating with her 4-year-old son.

Rivera, 33, disappeared after renting the pontoon boat for three hours Wednesday afternoon and taking it out on Lake Piru in Ventura County, the Sheriff’s Office said Thursday.

The lake an hour’s drive from Los Angeles was searched by dozens of people, most of them divers, with help from helicopters, drones and all-terrain vehicles. The search to recover Rivera’s body continued into the night Thursday before ending for that day.

The area where the boat was found is about 30 feet (9 meters) deep. Murky waters heavy with plants made it difficult for divers to see more than about a foot ahead of them, sheriff’s Sgt. Kevin Donoghue said Thursday.

23 PHOTOSSearch for "Glee" star Naya RiveraSee GallerySearch for "Glee" star Naya RiveraA view of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 where the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after taking her son boating on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)Ventura County sheriffs work at Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after taking her son boating on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)Third boat from left, cordoned off with police tape, is believed to be the boat actress Naya Rivera and her son rented on July 8 as the search for her body continues at Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)A patrol boat is seen on Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)A Ventura County officer is working by Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)A helicopter flies over Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)A helicopter flies over Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:A boat is docked and roped off with police tape at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California.According to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department this is believed to the boat that was rented by Rivera. Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera.The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation.(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)A boat is seen on Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:Sergeant Kevin Donoghue of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department speaks during a press conference at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California. Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)A bird flies through a boat cordoned off with police tape believed to be the boat actress Naya Rivera and her son rented on July 8 is seen as the search for her body continues at Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:Sergeant Kevin Donoghue of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department speaks during a press conference at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California. Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:Sergeant Kevin Donoghue of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department speaks during a press conference at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California. Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:Sergeant Kevin Donoghue of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department speaks during a press conference at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California. Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)A patrol boat is seen on Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)A view of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)Law enforcement officials gather at the boating dock of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:Boats with emergency workers search Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California. Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)Law enforcement officials gather at the boating dock of Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest, Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 as the search continues for actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:A sign warns visitor of hazards for swimming and wading at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California.Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera.The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation.(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)A helicopter searches over Lake Piru in Ventura County, California on July 9, 2020 for former Glee actress Naya Rivera, who was reported missing after going boating with her son on July 8. – “Glee” star Naya Rivera is missing and feared drowned at a California lake, where divers, patrol boats and helicopters resumed their search for the US actress on June 9. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) (Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:A U.S. Coast Guard helicopter flies over Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California.Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera.The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation.(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)PIRU, CALIFORNIA – JULY 09:Sheriff’s department vehicles and a helicopter sit in a parking lot along with emergency workers at Lake Piru, where actress Naya Rivera was reported missing Wednesday, on July 9, 2020 in Piru, California.Rivera, known for her role in “Glee,” was reported missing July 8 after her four-year-old son, Josey, was found alone in a boat rented by Rivera.The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department is coordinating a search and recovery operation.(Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images)Up Next

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“If the body is entangled on something beneath the water, it may never come back up,” Donoghue said.

Rivera played Santana Lopez, a singing cheerleader in 113 episodes of the musical-comedy “Glee,” which aired on Fox from 2009 until 2015. She also had recurring roles on “The Bernie Mac Show” and “The Royal Family.”

Rivera, a Los Angeles resident, had experience boating on the lake in Los Padres National Forest, Donoghue said.

Surveillance video taken at about 1 p.m. Wednesday shows Rivera and her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, leaving on the rented boat.

When the boat failed to return, its vendor found the vessel drifting in the northern end of the lake late Wednesday afternoon with the boy asleep on board. He told investigators that he and his mother had been swimming and he got back into the boat but she didn’t, according to a sheriff’s office statement.

The boy was wearing a life vest and another life jacket was found in the boat along with Rivera’s purse and identification.

Rivera is believed to have drowned “in what appears to be a tragic accident,” the statement said.

The boy, Rivera’s son from her marriage to actor Ryan Dorsey, was safe and healthy and with family members, authorities said. The couple finalized their divorce in June 2018 after nearly four years of marriage.

She called the boy, her only child, “my greatest success, and I will never do any better than him” in her 2016 memoir “Sorry Not Sorry.”

25 PHOTOSNaya RiveraSee GalleryNaya RiveraBEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 10:Actress Naya Rivera arrives at the 2016 InStyle And Warner Bros. 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)BEVERLY HILLS, CA – JANUARY 10:Actors Naya Rivera and husband Ryan Dorsey arrive at the 2016 InStyle And Warner Bros. 73rd Annual Golden Globe Awards Post-Party at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on January 10, 2016 in Beverly Hills, California.(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)BEVERLY HILLS, CA – DECEMBER 04:Actress Naya Rivera arrives at the 2015 March Of Dimes Celebration Of Babies at the Beverly Wilshire Four Seasons Hotel on December 4, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California.(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 08:Actress Naya Rivera arrives at Marie Claire’s Fresh Faces Party at Soho House on April 8, 2014 in West Hollywood, California.(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 18:Actress Naya Rivera attends the ‘Glee’ 100th episode celebration at Chateau Marmont on March 18, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)NEW YORK, NY – FEBRUARY 12:Actress Naya Rivera attends the Michael Kors fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Fall 2014 at Spring Studios on February 12, 2014 in New York City.(Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Michael Kors)LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 08:Naya Rivera arrives at the 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on January 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 08:Actress Naya Rivera attends The 40th Annual People’s Choice Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on January 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 22: Naya Rivera is seen shopping at Barneys New York on December 22, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Bauer-Griffin/GC Images)BEVERLY HILLS, CA – DECEMBER 11:Naya Rivera arrives at the The Hollywood Reporter’s Women In Entertainment Breakfast Honoring Oprah Winfrey at Beverly Hills Hotel on December 11, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.(Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage)HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 08:Big Sean (L) and Naya Rivera arrive at the 15th Annual Trevor Project Benefit held at Hollywood Palladium on December 8, 2013 in Hollywood, California.(Photo by Michael Tran/FilmMagic)HOLLYWOOD, CA – DECEMBER 08:Actress Naya Rivera (L) and actor Brant Daugherty speak onstage at ‘TrevorLIVE LA’ honoring Jane Lynch and Toyota for the Trevor Project at Hollywood Palladium on December 8, 2013 in Hollywood, California.(Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images for Trevor Project)BEVERLY HILLS, CA – OCTOBER 21:Actress Naya Rivera arrives at ELLE Celebrates 20th Annual Women In Hollywood Event at Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills on October 21, 2013 in Beverly Hills, California.(Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic)HOLLYWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 03:Actress Naya Rivera attends the Latina Magazine ‘Hollywood Hot List’ party at The Redbury Hotel on October 3, 2013 in Hollywood, California.(Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)WEST HOLLYWOOD, CA – AUGUST 13:Actress Naya Rivera and rapper Big Sean attend the Moet & Chandon 2013 Rose Lounge series private listening party for Big Sean’s new album ‘Hall of Fame’ at The London Hotel on August 13, 2013 in West Hollywood, California.(Photo by Vincent Sandoval/WireImage)UNIVERSAL CITY, CA – AUGUST 11: Actress Naya Rivera arrives at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards at Gibson Amphitheatre on August 11, 2013 in Universal City, California.(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE – Emmy Award-nominated ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ airs every weeknight (11:35 p.m. – 12:41 a.m., ET),packed with hilarious comedy bits and features a diverse lineup of guests including celebrities, athletes, musicians, comedians and humorous human interest subjects. The guests for TUESDAY, JULY 30 included actor Larry David (‘Clear History’), Naya Rivera (Bud Light’s concert event 50/50/1) and musical guest Backstreet Boys.(Photo by Randy Holmes/ABC via Getty Images)NAYA RIVERA, JIMMY KIMMELGIFFONI VALLE PIANA, ITALY – JULY 24:Naya Rivera attends 2013 Giffoni Film Festival blue carpet on July 24, 2013 in Giffoni Valle Piana, Italy.(Photo by Stefania D’Alessandro/WireImage)LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30:Actress Naya Rivera and rapper Big Sean attend the 2013 BET Awards at Nokia Theatre L.A. Live on June 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 30:(L-R) Big Sean and Naya Rivera attend 2013 BET Awards at Nokia Plaza L.A. LIVE on June 30, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)TORONTO, ON – JUNE 16:Naya Rivera and Big Sean arrive on the red carpet at the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards at Bell Media Headquarters on June 16, 2013 in Toronto, Canada.(Photo by Jag Gundu/Getty Images)WESTWOOD, CA – MAY 20:Actress Naya Rivera and Big Sean arrive at the Los Angeles premiere of ‘The Hangover III’ at Mann’s Village Theatre on May 20, 2013 in Westwood, California.(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 20:Actress Naya Rivera arrives at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Gregg DeGuire/WireImage)LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 20:Actress Naya Rivera poses in the VIP Red Carpet Suite at the 24th Annual GLAAD Media Awards hosted by Ketel One at JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE on April 20, 2013 in Los Angeles, California.(Photo by Charley Gallay/Getty Images for Ketel One)HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 09:Rapper Big Sean (L) and actress Naya Rivera attend the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures’ And Legendary Pictures’ ’42’ at TCL Chinese Theatre on April 9, 2013 in Hollywood, California.(Photo by Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images)Up Next

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The most recent tweet on Rivera’s account, from Tuesday, read “just the two of us” along with a photo of her and her son.

It appeared increasingly likely she would become the third major cast member from the show to die in their 30s.

Co-star Mark Salling, who Rivera dated at one point, killed himself in 2018 at age 35 after pleading guilty to child pornography charges.

Cory Monteith, one of the show’s leads, died at 31 in 2013 from a toxic mix of alcohol and heroin.

Rivera was engaged to rapper Big Sean in 2013, but their relationship ended a year later. The pair met on Twitter and collaborated musically, with the rapper appearing on Rivera’s debut single “Sorry.” She married Dorsey a few months later.

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Follow AP Entertainment Writer Andrew Dalton on Twitter: https://twitter.com/andyjamesdalton.

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