Glee’s creators have said they will fund college for Naya Rivera’s four year-old son Josey Hollis Dorsey following her tragic drowning in a US lake.

Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan paid tribute to Rivera for the first time since she died and according to The Hollywood Reporter the emotional statement included the college promise.

They wrote: “We are currently in the process of creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”

The creators also said Rivera was a ‘talented and special star’.

"Naya wasn’t a series regular when we cast her on Glee. She didn’t have more than a few lines in the pilot. 

“But it didn’t take more than an episode or two for us to realise that we had lucked into finding one of the most talented, special stars we would ever have the pleasure of working with. 

"She could move between being scary tough and deeply vulnerable with ease. She was a joy to write for, a joy to direct and a joy to be around.”

They added she was always professional throughout her time on Glee. She played Santana Lopez from 2009 until 2015.

The creators also said she was ‘tough, demanding, kind and generous’.

“Naya was more than just an actor on our show- she was our friend.

“Our hearts go out to her family, especially her mom, Yolanda, who was a big part of the Glee family and her son Josey," they concluded.

It was confirmed on Monday Rivera had died after her body was found in Lake Piru in California days after she had gone missing.

She had taken her son, who she had with ex-husband Ryan Dosey, on a day trip. The boat they rented was found with just her son on board last Wednesday.