Naya Rivera death: Glee co-stars Jane Lynch and Chris Colfer lead tributes to 33-year-old actor

Actor's body was recovered from Lake Piru in California

Tributes have been paid to Glee star Naya Rivera, whose death was confirmed by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office on Monday.

Rivera’s body was found on Monday at Lake Piru, California, five days after the the 33-year-old went missing.

Authorities had been searching the lake since 8 July, when Rivera was reported missing, after she rented a pontoon boat with her four-year-old son.

Celebrities and cast mates, including Lea Michele, have been remembering Rivera on social media.

Glee co-star Jane Lynch, who played coach Sue Sylvester opposite Rivera’s cheerleader Santana Lopez, led the tributes.

“Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family,” she wrote on Twitter.

Chris Colfer, who player Kurt Hummel, wrote: "How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post? How can you summarise a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone? If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can’t."

He continued: "Her brilliance and humour were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly. She spoke truth to power with poise and fearlessness. She could turn a bad day into a great day with a single remark. She inspired and uplifted people without even trying. Being close to her was both a badge of honour and a suit of armour."

Colfer called Naya "one of a kind".

Josh Sussman, who portrayed Jacob Ben Israel in Glee, tweeted: “Naya, you will be missed so much.”

Singer Kehlani praised Rivera’s ability as a singer and said: “The reason songbird by Fleetwood Mac is one of my favourite songs ever is because of the glee soundtrack version. she transformed it.

“Rest Easy Naya Rivera. God cover and hold her loved ones!”

Comedian Kathy Griffin tweeted: “I had the opportunity to work with the one and only #nayarivera. So much talent. Deeply saddened and touched. Please, let her have peace, Lord.”

Singer Bebe Rexha reminisced about recording with Rivera, and tweeted: “This is an absolute nightmare. I had the pleasure of having dinner with her once after a recording session we did together and she was an absolute sweetheart. My heart goes out to her family and friends. I hope I’m lucky enough to meet you up in heaven.

“Rest In Peace Naya Rivera.”

Singer and dancer Paula Abdul added: “I didn’t know Naya personally, but I admired her as an artist. I’m so devastated by the news – a true talent lost far too soon. My deepest condolences and prayers go out to her family. Revolving hearts XoP #RipNayaRivera.”

Singer and actor Bryana Salaz referenced the impact of Rivera’s most well known character, Santana, in her tribute.

“Naya Rivera. Didn’t realise the impact u had on my life growing up, being the first poc, lgbtq character i saw on screen. I grew up listening to u sing, being inspired by the girl on glee who looks like me & is unapologetically herself. you changed so many lives. Rest easy angel.”

Actor Madison Bailey added: “Rest In Peace Naya. You are an icon to me. Your role as Santana played a special part in my life. Sending her family and friends good energy.”