Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Amber Riley: Actress Sings Emotional Tribute to ‘Glee’ Co-Star Naya Rivera [WATCH]

*Amber Riley served up an emotional tribute to her former Glee co-star, Naya Rivera, on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” Thursday.

Rivera was found dead in July, nearly a week after she disappeared during a boating outing with her 4-year-old son. She was 33. 

As Riley performed her song “Moment” off her upcoming self-titled EP,  a photo slide show of Rivera with family and friends appeared on the screen behind her.

“Not too long ago, we both lost a really amazing friend in a tragic accident and we both will miss her forever,” said guest host Lil Rel Howery. “She’s here to perform a tribute to our good friend, Naya Rivera.”

Check out her performance above. 

READ MORE: Ryan Dorsey Shares Emotional Tribute to Ex-Wife Naya Rivera: ‘This Is So Unfair’

Naya Rivera (Getty)
Naya Rivera (Getty)

Rivera’s cause of death was confirmed as accidental drowning, one day after her body was discovered floating in California’s Lake Piru. 

The Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office said there’s “no indication” drugs or alcohol played a role in the tragic accident.

Rivera’s family released a statement in the wake of her tragic death, PEOPLE reports. 

“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 honor her everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit,” her family said in a statement to Deadline on Tuesday. “Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister.”

Adding “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.”

The family’s message continued, “Heaven gained our sassy angel,” the family added. “We kindly request that our privacy be respected during this very difficult time.”

We previously reported… Naya spent her final moments saving her son from drowning, according to investigators.

She went missing on July 8 while swimming in Lake Piru in Ventura, Calif. Her son reportedly told investigators that his mother jump into the water, but she did not come out.  

Rivera and Riley starred on Fox’s “Glee” musical series from 2009 to 2015.

Riley’s new EP titled “Riley” drops October 2.

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