Stars share prayers for Naya Rivera as Glee actress goes missing at lake in California

Celebrities have shared prayers and messages of hope after Glee star Naya Rivera went missing at a lake in Southern California.

Rivera, 33, is feared drowned after her four-year-old son was reportedly found alone on a rented boat at Lake Piru, about 40 miles north west of central Los Angeles.

A search operation was launched after Rivera rented a boat on the lake at around 1pm local time but failed to return it.

Captain Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said that the search for the actress, who played cheerleader Santana in the musical drama, will resume at “first light” but added that “this may well be a case of drowning.”

Police said they used helicopters, drones and dive teams in their search for Rivera.

Rivera’s Glee co-star Heather Morris posted a message for her former colleague on Instagram, writing: “We need all the prayers we can to bring our Naya back home to us. We need your love and light.”

Harry Shum Jr, who played Mike Chang in the series, simply wrote “Praying” on Twitter.

Singer Demi Lovato, who had a brief guest role on Glee, wrote: “Please pray for @nayarivera to be found safe and sound.”

Actress Victoria Justice wrote: “Praying for Naya.”

Queer Eye star Karamo Brown wrote: "Praying for Naya Rivera. I don't know her but I hope she is safe."

On Tuesday, Rivera posted a photo of her and son Josey, who she shares with ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, captioning it: “Just the two of us.”

As well as her role in Glee, Rivera also appeared in the Lifetime TV drama Devious Maids and in the web series Step Up: High Water.