Demi Lovato asks fans to pray for missing Glee star Naya Rivera, who is presumed dead

Friends, family and fellow celebrities are asking fans to pray for Naya Rivera's safety, as authorities search for the missing Glee star.

The 33-year-old actor is presumed dead after her 4-year-old son was found alone in a boat on a lake in Southern California, officials say.

The Ventura County Sheriff's office said its efforts to find  Rivera are now a "search and recovery operation". 

Demi Lovato, who also featured in Glee alongside Rivera, posted a photo of a lit candle to her Instagram Story with the message: "Please pray for @nayarivera to be found safe and sound".

Demi Lovato and Heather Morris Ask Fans to Pray as Naya Rivera Is Reported Missing.
Posts from Demi Lovato and Heather Morris. Photo credit: Instagram

Fellow Glee stars Heather Morris, Jackée Harry and Harry Shum Jr are among the other celebrities also using social media to post messages for Rivera and her fans.

"We need all the prayers we can get to bring our Naya back home to us. We need your love and light," said Morris.

"Prayers up for the lovely Naya Rivera... please God, don’t cut this life short," added Harry.

Rivera's son was discovered by another boater before reportedly telling investigators he and his mother were swimming - but she never got back into the boat.

There are said to be no signs of foul play in Rivera's disappearance.