Glee star Heather Morris opens up about co-star Naya Rivera on her 4-year death anniversary

Rivera passed away by drowning at the age of 33, while on a boating trip with her son.


Pop Culture & Art July 09, 2024
Courtesy: @heatherrelizabethh on Instagram

On the fourth anniversary of Naya Rivera's tragic drowning, Heather Morris, her former Glee co-star, took to Instagram to remember and honor their friendship.

Posting an intimate photo of them together, Morris, 37, expressed ongoing grief over Rivera's passing, remarking, "I can’t believe it’s been 4 years..boy how time flies."

She continued, "Yet every year I’m taken by surprise how much it still hurts. We grow up together, fell apart, and came back together in such a beautiful way. God you’re missed so much."

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Heather Morris (@heatherrelizabethh)

Morris, who played Rivera's on-screen love interest on the hit TV show, confessed, "I can’t shake the feeling [Rivera] never left," indicating the enduring impact of their bond. "You’re still here with us..guiding us to our highest potential," she wrote emotionally. "I miss you Nay Nay."

Rivera, who was 33 at the time of her death, went missing on July 8, 2020, during a boating trip with her young son in Ventura, California. Despite extensive search efforts, her body was recovered five days later from Lake Piru, with authorities ruling out foul play or suicide.

Ventura County Sherriff Bill Ayub recounted the tragic incident, stating that Rivera's son, Josey, described being helped onto the boat by his mother before she disappeared underwater.

In the aftermath, Morris actively participated in search operations and shared poignant memories of their friendship on social media, underscoring their deep connection.

Reflecting on their complex relationship, Morris acknowledged their ups and downs but praised Rivera as "the strongest and most resilient human being I know." She described Rivera's lasting influence on her life, stating, "I speak to you every day because I know you're still with me."

Last year, another Glee alum, Kevin McHale, also paid tribute to Rivera on social media, highlighting the enduring impact of her friendship and light.

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