Harry Shum Jr has penned a letter addressed to his Glee co-star Naya Rivera following her tragic death last week.
The 33-year-old drowned in California's Lake Piru while swimming with her four-year-old son Josey, whom she is believed to have helped to safety just before she died.
Rivera's fellow Glee stars have been paying their respects over the last few days, and Shum Jr - aka Mike Chang - has now given his own tribute in the form of an open letter.
"Dear Naya, I'm failing miserably to process this news. I always imagined old future senior moments where we would hear your infectious laughter down the hall knowing that our funny bone was in for a treat," the 38-year-old wrote.
"To many people, myself included, you were the life of the party. Not only able to rock when fun was to be had after a long day but that shining friend that was always willing to listen, offer sympathy, perspective and at times, give much needed levity to any situation.
"You were a beast on the show. I admired you as I watched you nail multi page monologues that you learned moments before and pour your heart into every performance with an energy that had that snicks special written all over it.
"Our deep conversations about life in between scenes are some of my favorite moments with you. Getting to hear about your hopes and dreams for the future and with Josey's arrival, 'Your greatest success,' I was so happy to see your dream turn into reality.
"You deserved more. I'm so sorry but you deserved more. You gave life your all and I hope all the good that you have given to the world will be returned in abundance when you reunite with our brother in the heavenly skies.
"I'm so grateful for our memories. We will make sure to keep your legacy and spirit alive so Josey will grow up to know the incredible woman you were. Love you, Naya. You are already missed. Eternally."
The recovery of Rivera's body on Monday came seven years to the day that Glee actor Cory Monteith died of an accidental drugs overdose.
Follow us on Twitter @SMEntsFeed and like us on Facebook for the latest entertainment news alerts.
