The creative forces behind Glee, the hit Fox show that helped launch Naya Rivera's career, paid tribute to the actress in a lengthy statement on Tuesday.

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan issued the statement via 20th Century Fox TV after Rivera was confirmed dead on Monday. Her body was recovered at Lake Piru, five days after she was reported missing while boating with her 4-year-old son. She was 33.

"We are heartbroken over the loss of our friend Naya Rivera," they began. "Naya wasn't a series regular when we cast her on Glee. She didn't have more than a few lines in the pilot. But it didn't take more than an episode or two for us to realize that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with."

"Naya could act, she could dance, and she could sing (could she ever sing!)," they continued. "She could nail a joke as well as she could crush you with an emotional scene. She could move between being scary tough and deeply vulnerable with ease. She was a joy to write for, a joy to direct and a joy to be around."

Authorities said during Monday's press conference that they believe Rivera died saving Josey.

"We know from speaking with her son, that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey," said Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub. "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."

"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," he continued.

The sheriff added that there was no evidence of foul play or suicide. An autopsy will be performed at the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office.

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