‘Glee’ Star Naya Rivera’s Cause of Death, Accidental Drowning? Here’s What the Autopsy Says

For Glee fans, specifically fans of one of its stars, Naya Rivera, the story behind her death may probably be hard to hear or even unacceptable.

Reports said, this 33-year-old celebrity went boating and swimming with her four-year-old son in California's Lake Piru on July 8.

It remains unclear what exactly happened after. However, Rivera's son, Josey told the investigators, "his mom helped him back onto the boat" before disappearing underneath the water.

It was on July 13 when authorities officially declared Rivera dead. The official pronouncement was made five days after she was first reported missing.

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Autopsy Report

On Tuesday, officials said an autopsy confirmed the reason behind Rivera's death as "accidental drowning." 

The examination, done one day after the Glee star's body was located at a lake in Southern California, did not show any sign of "traumatic injury." Neither there was an illness detected that might have contributed to her drowning.

In a statement, the Ventura County Medical examiner said, the autopsy did not have any initial sign either, that alcohol or drugs may have also become contributors to Rivera's death.

The TV and movie star's identity was verified through the use of dental records. On top of that, the statement said, "routine toxicology tests" will also be performed to determine association with drugs and alcohol.

The results of the autopsy report indicate that the findings were consistent with the Sheriff's Office's expectations.

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What's an Accidental Drowning, and How does it Happen?

Several things are occurring in the body when an accidental drowning happens. According to an emergency medicine physician, Nicholas Kman, MD., accidental drowning starts "with respiratory damage as the person's airway goes under the surface" of the water splashes over his face.

Kman, from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, also explained, the lack of ability to breathe oxygen leads to "profound hypoxemia or lack of oxygen in the blood, as a result of asphyxia."

A medical term for suffocation, Asphyxia, Dr. Kman explained, affects all areas of a human's body, "not just the lungs." The doctor added when the body is unable to get oxygen, and an individual will ultimately "lose his consciousness and stop breathing." 

Relatively, the heart rate, at first, rises. However, while the heart does not get the oxygen it needs to function normally, its beating slows down and stops eventually. 

Is it Always Fatal?

Experts have claimed that drowning is not always fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there may be occurrences of "nonfatal drowning." 

Dr. Kman added, places patrolled by lifeguards, more often than not, have favorable results. However, explained the expert, some people "can suffer complications" even when rescued. 

The CDC said more than half of the victims of nonfatal drownings that are treated require confinement or transfer for more extensive care for injuries such as severe brain impairment. These injuries can result in prolonged disabilities such as memory disorders, learning disabilities, and even being in vegetative condition.

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