One year after the tragic passing of actress Naya Rivera due to accidental drowning, her family and loved ones came together to remember the life and legacy of the former Glee star.
Rivera went missing on July 8, 2020 after she and her then-4-year-old son Josey went on a boating trip in Southern California’s Lake Piru. Later on, Rivera’s boat was found with her son in it, but she was nowhere in sight. This triggered a days-long search for Rivera, with her body eventually being discovered on July 13. Her death was ruled an accidental drowning.
Naya’s mother Yolanda Previtire joined Good Morning America to talk about the tragedy and how her family has still been trying to cope with their loss.
Previtire revealed that the day of the tragedy, she spoke to Naya and her son while they were on the water. “And we had a beautiful conversation,” Yolanda said. “The sun was kissing her face and she was just beautiful. … She had a white, beautiful swimming suit on and she was glowing.”
Previtire talked about how the family has been trying to level with the grief they feel every day, and how they have been working together to heal. “Sometimes we’re afraid of the sorrow being so heavy that we’re afraid for our own self, ’cause this is hard. There are no words to describe what we’re going through,” she said. “All we know is we have each other.”
Rivera’s little sister Nickayla also shared her thoughts, saying the family is just trying to appreciate each day. “And taking that one day at a time and living it to the fullest, loving each other to the fullest, and not regretting anything,” Nickayla said. “Because I know if we could go back, we’d hug a little bit harder.” Nickayla now stays with Josey and his father Ryan Dorsey, at Josey’s request.
The family also reflected on the ways Naya’s acting impacted so many, with Nickayla recounting moments where fans would come up to her sister and thank her for helping them deal with things in their own lives. “My sister, even though she was acting, was touching people’s real lives and helping them become who they really are and not being ashamed of that,” she said. “It was just really amazing to see that she had that impact.”
The family went on to speak about Naya’s life, legacy, and all the light she brought to the world while she was here. “I would like my daughter Naya’s legacy to be one that teaches people to love, to care,” Previtire said. “If something is not right, try to fix it or speak up. And to just live life. God has given you one life. You are your own person. Love who you are, ’cause you don’t get another life.”
Naya’s younger brother Mychal was not able to participate in the conversation but offered a statement to GMA. “One year without you, one year closer to when we will meet you again,” he said. “Your endless energy lives on. May you continue to rest so graciously, Naya.”
Watch the rest of the Good Morning America interview with Rivera’s family above.
