In an emotional tribute post on Instagram, Tahj Mowry revealed that at one time he had a longtime off-and-on relationship with missing “Glee” star Naya Rivera.
Rivera has been missing since July 8 after swimming in Lake Piru in Ventura County, California, with her 4-year-old son Josey. Her son was found alone on their pontoon boat, and local officials have said that she is presumed drowned in an accident.
The “Smart Guy” star shared his feelings about Rivera in a heartfelt post in which he reminisced on the close bond the two shared over the years. “We grew up together. We became adults together. We experienced so many firsts together,” he wrote.
“You were my first experience with everything; love, intimacy, heartbreak. We broke each others hearts and then mended them back together…more than once,” he continued. “I will never not think of you. No woman has ever measured up what you gave me or how you made me feel. I’ve never liked to admit it but I have never stopped loving you. A part of me always wished for the day where God would bring us back together to be what we dreamt we could have been. “
Tahj’s sisters Tia Mowry-Hardrict and Tamera Mowry-Housely commented on his post, letting their little brother know they feel his pain. “My brother. This hurts. Love you. Naya I love you. The Rivera Family, we love you,” wrote Tia. Tamera simply stated, “I know boo 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽.”
Tahj’s message touched fans, who let him know that they are lifting him, Naya, and her family up in prayer.
“🙌🏾that was beautiful! We really have to start letting people know how we truly feel! Prayers for her,” wrote a fan.
“This just broke me,” a second lamented. “Sending so many prayers up for everyone involved in this situation and all of her fans. I grew up watching her on Glee and have always been inspired by her. God, please help us get through this.”
“Beautifully said. 😢❤️🙏🏽 Standing in agreement with you🙏🏽 #Faith,” a third follower commented.
“Praying for her loved ones and for you,” stated a fourth. “That God gives you all strength, peace and comfort, and that she’s found alive by a divine miracle.”
The search for Naya Rivera has continued since July 9. Officials say search efforts will continue through at least Tuesday, July 14, but the lake’s murky waters could make retrieval efforts difficult.
