On Monday (July 13), the devastating news that a body was recovered from the lake where Naya Rivera went missing at a few days earlier took over social media. Authorities held a press conference confirming that the body did in fact belong to the “Glee” actress.
Many celebrities and close friends of Rivera took to social media to send their condolences and pay tribute her. Tia Mowry shared a throwback photo of her brother Tahj Mowry with Rivera and captioned the post revealing some of their fondest memories they shared together.
“My Naya! I became apart of your world through my brother @tahj_mowry,” she wrote on Instagram. “You guys used to hit the pavement auditioning together and booking jobs together. I’ve known your beautiful spirit since the age of 6. You quickly became family. Just some of my favorite memories — you helping my sister and myself look for a place to live when my parents kicked Tamera and I out of the house at 25. Us hitting LA night life together with @tahj_mowry and going to parties introducing me to the most wild drink I’ve ever had and you laughing at me because I couldn’t handle it.”
She continued, “I love you. Your smile will always be the most beautiful smile. Rest my love. You are now a beautiful angel.”
Tamera Mowry also took to Instagram to pay tribute to Rivera. “Can’t believe I’m writing this,” she wrote. “My heart. So many emotions. So many memories. My mind did not want to accept this. My sweet Naya. I love you. Will always love you. I’ll never forget your sweet smile, your amazing voice and your warmth and love that has always welcomed me. I knew as early as 9 years old you were going to grace us with so much talent and so much beauty. I’m so grateful to have been blessed with your presence for over 20 years. You took my breath away and always will. Another angel has gained her wings. My heart goes out to the Rivera family.”
Kehlani posted a tribute to the late actress on Twitter. “The reason ‘Songbird’ by Fleetwood Mac is one of my favorite songs ever is because of the ‘Glee’ soundtrack version,” she tweeted. “She transformed it. Rest easy Naya Rivera. God cover and hold her loved ones!”
See their tributes to Rivera below. Rest in peace.