Ryan Dorsey Reflects on Naya Rivera’s Tragic Death, Five Years Later
Background:
On July 8, 2020, Naya Rivera, the beloved star of the musical comedy series "Glee," tragically drowned in California’s Lake Piru. Her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, has now spoken out about the incident, sharing new details and reflecting on the profound loss that continues to haunt their family.
Josey’s Guilt and Dorsey’s Reassurance:
Dorsey reveals that their then-four-year-old son, Josey, has expressed feelings of guilt, believing that he could have saved his mother. He recalls that Josey described trying to find a life raft, but being hindered by a spider on the rope.
"Something he’s said over and over is that he was trying to find a life raft, and there was a rope, but there was a big spider on the rope, and he was too scared to throw it," Dorsey shares. "I keep reassuring him, ‘Buddy, that rope wasn’t going to be long enough.’"
Moments Before the Tragedy:
Dorsey describes the fateful day, noting that it was windy and the boat they rented began drifting away from them. He recounts Rivera’s calm demeanor, assuring Josey that they were not going to die. However, as the situation escalated, Rivera instructed her son to swim back to the boat, leaving her alone in the water.
"As the boat started getting away from them, Rivera told her son to swim back to it," Dorsey says. "It still doesn’t make much sense how he was able to get on and she wasn’t."
Josey’s Last Memory of His Mother:
Heartbreakingly, Dorsey reveals that Josey’s final memory of Rivera is her calling his name before disappearing beneath the water.
"(Josey) said that the last thing she said was his name, and then she went under, and he didn’t see her anymore," he says. "It just rocks my world that he had to witness her last moments."
Aftermath and Legacy:
In the years since Rivera’s passing, Dorsey has focused on providing support for Josey, who he says continues to honor his mother’s memory through watching episodes of "Glee" and the concert film.
"You could see his eyes welling up a little bit," Dorsey says. "But he’s a strong boy, and he has a lot of content and episodes and stuff. His mom will live forever."
Wrongful Death Lawsuit:
In 2020, Dorsey filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Ventura County, the United Water Conservation District, and Parks and Recreation Management. The lawsuit alleged that the boat Rivera rented lacked essential safety features and did not come with flotation or lifesaving devices. It also claimed that Rivera was not informed of the potentially hazardous conditions at the lake.
The lawsuit was settled in 2022, providing financial compensation for Josey. Dorsey emphasized that while money cannot erase their loss, it will significantly assist Josey as he navigates life in the absence of his mother.
Conclusion:
Ryan Dorsey’s candid account of Naya Rivera’s tragic death sheds light on the profound impact of the incident on their family. Josey’s feelings of guilt and Dorsey’s unwavering support demonstrate the complexities of grief and the challenges of coping with such a devastating loss. Rivera’s legacy continues to live on through her son and the countless fans who cherished her performances.
