Glee alum Grant Gustin was “intimidated” by Naya Rivera‘s “talent” and “presence” in the course of his time on the Fox smash.

The Flash star, who recurred on Glee for 3 seasons as antagonist Sebastian Smythe, compensated tribute on Wednesday to his late co-star and “Smooth Criminal” duet associate in a heartfelt Instagram article, calling her dying “truly unimaginable,” before admitting, “I was intimidated by her expertise and presence on set, but she was normally so type and welcoming to me. So many of my Glee reminiscences on and off established have Naya in them. She was just one of a kind.

“My coronary heart breaks for her spouse and children and friends,” Gustin continued. “I’ll normally hold Naya in my coronary heart and try to remember her for the robust, talented and compassionate man or woman she was to me in the quick time I obtained to commit with her. Sending so a great deal toughness and love to her family members and everyone who’s heart is breaking about this tragic loss.”

Rivera’s accidental drowning loss of life was confirmed on Monday immediately after her physique was recovered from California’s Lake Piru, 5 days immediately after she was initially described missing. She experienced rented a boat on July 8 to go swimming with her 4-year-aged son, Josey. The boy was later on observed on your own in the boat, with no indication of Rivera.