Glee star Dean Geyer recalls filming his chilling final scene with Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith

Former Glee star Dean Geyer has revealed that he filmed his final scenes for the hit musical series with Naya Rivera and Cory Monteith, who have both since died in tragic circumstances.

Speaking on Today Extra on Wednesday, the 32-year-old actor explained that his last days on the show in 2012 were even more haunting in hindsight given that Naya’s body was discovered in California’s Lake Piru on July 13 – exactly seven years after police had found Cory dead in a Vancouver hotel room.

‘What is crazy is my one of my last two scenes [on Glee] was shot with her [Naya] and Cory, which is nuts because on the anniversary of his death they found her at the lake,’ said Dean.

Dean – who portrayed Brody Weston, the boyfriend of Lea Michele’s character, in season four – spoke fondly of Naya, admitting that he ‘wished he got more time with her’.

He said: ‘The rest of the cast were six seasons deep. I can only imagine how close they became because when you are on set with someone for that many years, you almost are closer and see those people more than you do your family and friends.’

Cory, who played jock Finn Hudson, died of an accidental drug overdose in 2013 at the age of 31. His death was the first in a string of tragedies to befall the cast of Glee in what has become known as the ‘Glee curse’.

On Thursday, Dean praised Naya and spoke of his heartbreak over her passing.

‘Naya was an unbelievably talented performer who I got the pleasure of working with. The only thing that rivalled her acting abilities was her incredible voice,’ he told The Daily Telegraph.

He continued: ‘I am extremely saddened to hear that we have lost someone who had such a positive impact on so many people’s lives through her art. 

‘May the holy spirit comfort her family during this incredibly painful time.’ 

Dean said his favourite memory of Naya was when she performed the song Cold Hearted Snake in front of him.

Dean’s words follow an outpouring of public grief from the Glee cast. 

Naya’s body was recovered from the northeast portion of Lake Piru, located 50 miles north of Los Angeles, on July 13, after she went missing the previous week.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub said there was nothing to indicate any foul play took place or that she died by suicide.

Authorities with Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office later said the actress and singer had died due to accidental drowning. 

‘The circumstances and visual characteristics all indicated that the body was that of Naya Rivera and the identity has been confirmed by dental comparison,’ a report states.

‘The autopsy findings are consistent with a drowning and the condition of the body is consistent with the time that she was submerged.

‘No traumatic injuries or disease processes were identified at autopsy. 

‘There is no indication from the investigation or examination that drugs or alcohol played a role in the decedent’s death, but specimens will be submitted for toxicology testing,’ it added.

The date of pronouncement was listed as Monday, July 13.

Naya’s family has released a statement in the wake of authorities recovering her body the lake.

‘We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and prayers for Naya, Josey and our family over the past week,’ the family said. 

‘While we grieve the loss of our beautiful legend, we are blessed to honor her everlasting legacy and magnetic spirit.

‘Naya was an amazing talent, but was an even greater person, mother, daughter and sister.’

The family was grateful to authorities for their exhaustive search of the area for the better part of a week. 

They concluded: ‘Heaven gained our sassy angel. We kindly request that our privacy be respected during this very difficult time.’