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Tributes have been paid to actress Naya Rivera, whose death has been confirmed by US police.

The 33-year-old, best known for playing Santana Lopez on Glee, had gone missing during a boat trip in California.

After a long search, divers found her body on Monday, prompting an outpouring of love and sympathy from her co-stars.

"She was so independent and strong and the idea of her not being here is something I cannot comprehend," wrote Glee actor Kevin McHale on Twitter.

"She was the single most quick-witted person I've ever met, with a steel-trap memory that could recall the most forgettable conversations from a decade ago.

"She was the most talented person I've ever known and I'm furious we won't get to see more."

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"Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family," added Jane Lynch, who played coach Sue Sylvester on the show.

Many of her former cast-mates gathered at the bank of Lake Piru, near Los Angeles, to pay their respects.

Chris Colfer, who played Kurt Hummel in the teen comedy, shared a photo of himself with Rivera on Instagram.

"How can you convey all your love and respect for someone in one post?" he wrote in the caption.

"How can you summarise a decade of friendship and laughter with words alone?

"If you were friends with Naya Rivera, you simply can't. Her brilliance and humour were unmatched. Her beauty and talent were otherworldly."

Darren Criss, who played Blaine Anderson, remembered the star's generosity.

"I was constantly moved by the degree to which she took care of her family, and how she looked out for her friends," he wrote.

"She showed up for me on numerous occasions where she didn't have to, and I was always so grateful for her friendship then, as I certainly am now."

Fan tributes

Rivera was first reported missing last week, after she rented a pontoon boat with her four-year-old son.

He was found alone and asleep in the boat and later told police his mother had never returned after swimming in the lake.

Speaking at a news conference on Monday, Ventura County Sheriff William Ayub said a body had been found near the surface of the water in the north eastern section of the lake.

Police were "confident" they had found Rivera, based on location, clothing and physical characteristics. An autopsy and dental records will be used to confirm her identity. There were no signs of foul play.

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The discovery came exactly seven years after Rivera's Glee co-star, Cory Monteith, was found dead in a Vancouver hotel room of an overdose of heroin and alcohol.

Lea Michele, who was the show's lead actress, posted black-and-white photos of both actors on her Instagram story in tribute.

Many cast members also re-posted a video of Rivera and Monteith signing autographs for fans outside Paramount studios in Hollywood.

The original poster had highlighted how "Naya and Cory always took the time to meet fans and talk with them".

"They were so kind-hearted and they loved and appreciated us so much," she added.

Fans also posted videos of Rivera's most memorable performances on the show - especially the song If I Die Young, which she sang in an episode commemorating Monteith's death.

Others shared how important it had been to see Rivera portray a character who was both Latin and LGBT.

"Naya was a powerhouse not just on Glee, but in life," wrote Twitter user @IssyFields.

"Her portrayal of Santana gave me the confidence to be unapologetically myself and made millions of voices heard. Glee has memorialised her beautiful talents forever because she is, and always will be, a hero."

Singer Bryana Salaz said she "didn't realize the impact" Rivera had on her life growing up as "the first POC, LGBTQ character I saw on screen.

"I grew up listening to you sing, being inspired by the girl on Glee who looks like me and is unapologetically herself. You changed so many lives. Rest easy angel," she added.

"Glee gave me the strength I needed to come to terms with my sexuality," added YouTuber Luke Birch.

"Seeing characters like Santana gave me so much hope and courage. You helped an entire generation of LGBTQ+ people, Naya. A talent like no other. Rest In Peace."

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