Heather Morris Delivers Heartfelt Tribute To Naya Rivera On The Fourth Anniversary Of Her Passing
Naya Rivera is deeply remembered on the fourth anniversary of her tragic passing. On July 8, her former Glee co-star and close friend, Heather Morris, shared a touching tribute on Instagram, posting an old photo of them together, with her arms wrapped around Naya.
“I can’t believe it’s been 4 years…boy how time flies,” Heather began in the caption. “Yet every year I’m taken by surprise how much it still hurts. We grew up together, fell apart, and came back together in such a beautiful way. God, you’re missed so much.”
Heather, 37, who portrayed Naya’s best friend-turned-girlfriend on Glee, confessed that she can’t shake the feeling that Naya “never left,” even now.
“You’re still here with us…guiding us to our highest potential,” she wrote, adding, “I miss you Nay Nay.”
Naya, who was 33 when she died, was reported missing on July 8, 2020, after a boating trip in Ventura, California, with her then 4-year-old son, Josey. Her body was found five days later, with authorities stating there was no evidence of foul play or suicide. Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub explained in a news conference that Naya and Josey had rented a pontoon boat and were swimming in the lake when she drowned.
“It was during that time that her son described being helped onto the boat by Naya… He told investigators he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water,” the official said.
During the search for Naya, Heather organized search parties and was on the scene with other former co-stars and loved ones. After Naya’s body was recovered, Heather posted an emotional tribute on Instagram, sharing photos of their sons playing together, which she said “meant more than anything” to Naya.
Reflecting on their friendship, Heather admitted they “went through a bit of a rocky phase” but ultimately reunited stronger than ever. She called Naya “the strongest and most resilient human being I know,” adding, “You constantly taught me lessons about grief, about beauty and poise, about being strong, resilient, and about not giving a f— (but still somehow respectful). Yet, the utmost important lesson I learned most of all from you was being a consistent and loving friend.”
Heather continued, “I speak to you every day because I know you’re still with me and even though I’m feeling greedy that we don’t get more time together, I cherish every moment we had and hold it close to my heart.”
Last year, fellow Glee alum Kevin McHale also reflected on Naya’s death, recalling the day they learned of another tragedy — the death of Cory Monteith in 2013.
In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) her wrote, “10 years ago today I was in London with Naya. We immediately met up after being woken up by the worst possible news. We spent the day partly in shock, partly laughing at our memories, partly crying at the impossibility of it all.”
“10 years later, not a day has gone by where I don’t miss you—both of you. Thanks for sharing your light with us for as brief as it was,” Kevin added.
