Naya Rivera's Family Issues a Statement Following Her Tragic Death

Naya Rivera‘s family is speaking out following the horrific confirmation of the Glee alum’s drowning while out boating with her son, Josey.

Her family, who was also seen gathering at Lake Piru amid the recovery efforts, issued a statement for the first time on Tuesday evening (July 14).

The statement was given to Deadline by her manager, Gladyz Gonzalez, on behalf of her family.

It reads as follows…

“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. Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister. 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. Heaven gained our sassy angel. We kindly request that our privacy be respected during this very difficult time.”

Our thoughts are with Naya‘s loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.

Here is what her co-stars have said since the sad news broke…