Before actress Naya Rivera passed away, authorities believe the last thing the mom of one did on earth was save her son’s life. As Mamas Uncut previously reported, on July 8, Rivera and her 4-year-old little boy Josey rented a pontoon boat to sail around Lake Piru in Ventura County, California around 1:00 p.m.
Three hours later, when Rivera didn’t return with the rented boat, staff members went looking for her. However, when they located the boat only Josey and Rivera’s life jacket were found aboard the ship.
RELATED: Body Found in Lake Where Actress Naya Rivera Went Missing
Authorities say the 4-year-old explained that his mom went for a swim but she never returned to the boat. A search quickly ensued for the Glee star.
Naya Rivera Used Her Last Bit of Strength to Save Son’s Life.
Five days later, on July 13, rescuers found Rivera’s body and recovered it from Lake Piru. Now, authorities are revealing a little more about what they now about Rivera’s last moment before her unexpected death.
At a news conference Monday afternoon, People reports that Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub recounted fully what Josey told authorities about his mom’s disappearance that sunny day in California.
“We know from speaking with her son, that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey. It was during that time that her son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him onto the deck from behind. He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water.”
As Sheriff Ayub explained, “there are a lot of currents on the lake that appear particularly in the afternoon,” likely when Rivera disappeared. “The idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting, it was unanchored, and that she mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
Following Rivera’s passing a petition was created “calling for signs warning swimmers of its dangerous conditions,” People reported. However, “swimming is allowed” in the waters.
As one of her Glee co-stars Kevin McHale wrote on Instagram, Rivera’s greatest joy was being a mom to Josey. “If you were fortunate enough to have known her, you’ll know that her most natural talent of all was being a mother,” he shared.
“The way that she loved her boy, it was truly Naya at her most peaceful. I’m thankful that Naya got that beautiful little boy got back on that boat. I’m thankful he will have a strong family around him to protect him and tell him about his incredible mom.”