NAYA Rivera's Glee co-star Kristin Chenoworth broke down in tears on social media yesterday as she called the tragic star "a sweet child".

Naya was confirmed dead on Monday after a recovery mission discovered her body in Lake Piru in California, days after she’d gone missing.

The search for the actress first began last Wednesday, after her son Josey, whom she shared with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, was found alone out in the water on a boat they'd rented.

Broadway star Kristin, 51, broke down as she remembered the 33-year-old actress after confirmation of her tragic death.

Kristin had guest starred as April Rhodes on several episodes of Rivera's seminal show Glee between 2009 and 2014.

Overcome with emotion on her Instagram Stories, she began: "A long time ago, I was invited to be a guest star on a show called Glee, and I had the honor of meeting all my babies, those kids who still make me proud.

"And I want them to know I still love them, and I’m proud of them.

She said tearfully: "And with Naya gone, I know how that hurts them.

"She was such a sweet, sweet child, and to see her singing with her baby really gets me."

The Tony Award winner also discussed her "longest and oldest friend" John Sawyer's passing on Mother's Day this year and told her followers to cry if they want to cry.

"I thought maybe John was up in heaven, with her, preparing the way," she added.

"I just want to tell y’all not to lose hope, it’s gonna be ok.

"And if you need to have a big cry like I’m doing right now, then do it. Do it."

On Monday, Kristin took to her social media to remember the late actress, with a picture of Naya holding her young son Josey.

She captioned the tribute: "Thank you for what you gave the world. I love you."

Naya drowned and had no signs of drugs or alcohol when she died saving her son in a tragic boating accident, her autopsy has revealed.

The report confirmed that Naya's body showed evidence of accidental drowning and her condition was consistent with the time authorities believe she died, TMZ reports.

“There is no indication from the investigation or examination that drugs or alcohol played a role in the decedent’s death, but specimens will be submitted for toxicology testing," the report said.

The actress was found dead on Monday, July 13, at Lake Piru in California concluding a five-day search.

Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed Naya's identity using dental records.

Speaking at a news conference, Ayub said Naya's body was found in the northeastern portion of the lake – which is 60 ft deep – and an "empty canyon" of growth.

"We believe she was concealed within some of the shrubbery on the floor bed of the lake," Ayub said, adding that investigators didn't believe any foul play was involved.

Naya and Josey, swam in the lake together before she drowned.

Josey told police his mother "boosted him onto the deck of their rental boat from behind" before he "saw her disappear under the surface of the water" after they had climbed off the back of the boat and gone swimming.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said that Naya "must have mustered enough energy to get her son back on the boat, but not enough to save herself".

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