Big Sean has broken his silence on the death of his ex-fiancée Naya Rivera,
Nearly a week after the Glee star was confirmed dead by authorities and her body was recovered from Lake Piru, CA, the 32-year-old rapper joins other celebs, fans, and loved ones in paying tribute to her. As many may recall, Rivera and the Detroit-born got engaged in October 2013, but ultimately called it quits just six months later and it’s unclear when the exes last talked.
We’ve been so moved by what many have shared about Naya’s unforgettable spirit, talent, and legacy — and this touching tribute is no different.
Related: Heather Morris Mourns Naya Rivera’s Death With Another Heartbreaking Tribute
Taking to Instagram on Friday evening, Sean — real name Sean Michael Leonard Anderson — shared his disbelief in Naya’s passing while praising the selflessness and heroic bravery she displayed in her final moments:
“Rest In Peace Naya, God Bless your Soul! Thank you for blessing us all with your talent and presence. you are a hero! Not just because of how you saved your son, also because of the barriers you knocked down for so many people to make them feel confident in themselves and to stand tall and be proud when they couldn’t achieve that on their own.”
He continued reflecting on their past relationship and offered more condolences to her family:
“I appreciate and cherish everything that ever happened between us for making me wiser and a better person. I’m still grieving and in shock, I can’t believe this is real. I’m praying for you and your family and I know your watching over them and protecting them. Rest In Peace Naya 💙🙏🏾”
See the beautiful photos of Naya he shared along with those words in the full post (below):
Ugh. So heartbreaking…
Months after their 2014 breakup, Rivera went on to tie the knot with Ryan Dorsey; the two welcomed their now 4-year-old son Josey Hollis Dorsey in 2015 before divorcing just three years later. As for Sean, he’s been linked to singer Jhene Aiko since 2016.
Although Naya and Sean did have a rough split which largely inspired his hit song I Don’t F**k With You, the artist was among those who showed hope for her safe return when she was declared missing after a swimming trip with her son on July 8. He “liked” several tweets regarding the search for the 33-year-old star, including one from jeweler Ben Baller which read:
“We need all the prayers we can get to bring our Naya back home to us. We need your love and light.”
Sadly, after a nearly six-day exhaustive rescue and recovery mission, the starlet’s body was found. Authorities later said they believe she died saving her son, as Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub noted at a press conference on Monday:
“We know from speaking with her son, that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey. 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. She mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
Our thoughts remain with her sweet son and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
R.I.P., Naya.
[Image via Apega/WENN]
The post Big Sean Mourns Ex-Fiancée Naya Rivera’s Death With Heartbreaking Tribute: ‘I Can’t Believe This Is Real’ appeared first on Perez Hilton.