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Matthew Morrison shares sadness that Naya Rivera’s son will grow up without her

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Matthew Morrison shares sadness that Naya Rivera's son will grow up without a mother

Naya – who played cheerleader Santana Lopez in the musical comedy Glee – tragically passed away over the summer after drowning in an accident in a lake in California

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Matthew Morrison has discussed his favourite memories of Naya Rivera – and his heartbreak for the future of her son who will grow up without her.

The 41-year-old TV actor starred in Glee alongside Naya who tragically died by accidental drowning in July aged just 33-years-old.

The actress left behind her four-year-old son, Josey, who she shared with 37-year-old ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, and who she rescued on Lake Piru near Santa Clarita, California, before she disappeared under the water.

Speaking about her death, Matthew said his co-star was a “bright light” who kept spirits high while filming the TV show Glee – which ran for six seasons between 2009 and 2015.

He told Entertainment Tonight: “Naya was a huge bright light. I mean, she's someone who kind of kept us in stitches on set, like, she was always the one who is just so witty and just, like, always joking.”

He went on to praise the late actress for keeping everyone entertained during their gruelling work schedules.

He said: “On that show, it was difficult. We pulled long, long hours — like 16 to 18 hour days — and we needed that, that team morale, and she was always there to give us a good laugh.”

Looking to the future, Matthew became emotional as he considered life without his friend – and the life Josey will have growing ups without his mother.

He said: “It's crazy saying ‘was.’ But she was a special person and my heart just goes out to that family who is grieving.

“I can't imagine, you know, having a son myself, the upbringing that that child is going to be exposed to because his mother is not there, you know?”

He added: “It's gotta be so tough, so my heart goes out to that family.”

Naya tragically died after hiring a boat with her young son in July – and it is believed she drowned after helping her son back on board, but didn't manage to pull herself back to safety.