Naya Rivera’s Ex-Partner Reveals Heartbreaking Detail about Tragic Drowning Incident
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In a heartbreaking revelation, actor Ryan Dorsey, the former partner of the late Glee star Naya Rivera, has opened up about a distressing detail regarding the day of her tragic death on July 8, 2020. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Dorsey, 41, disclosed that their son, Josey, who is now 9 years old, harbours feelings of guilt for not being able to rescue his mother when she drowned while they were swimming off a rental boat in Lake Piru in Ventura County, California.
According to Dorsey, Josey has repeatedly expressed that he attempted to find a life-saving raft for his mother and even had a rope in his hands but refrained from throwing it due to a fear of a large spider on it. Dorsey shared, “I keep reassuring him, ‘Buddy, that rope wasn’t going to be long enough.’” The poignant recollection sheds light on the harrowing experience Josey went through at just 4 years old, witnessing his mother’s tragic last moments.
Describing the sequence of events that unfurled that fateful day, Dorsey recounted how Rivera noticed that the boat they were on was drifting, without essential safety equipment like an anchor or flotation devices, as outlined in the wrongful-death lawsuit he filed on behalf of Josey against Ventura County, which reached a settlement in 2022. Rivera had instructed Josey to swim back to safety, and in his memory, he grabbed onto tanks and managed to pull himself around the boat. The incident report later revealed that Rivera drowned after exerting herself to bring Josey back on board.
Dorsey went on to share Josey’s poignant memory of his mother’s last words, recalling that she said his name before submerging underwater, a moment that continues to affect Dorsey deeply. The actor was informed of Rivera’s disappearance by a call from her mother Yolanda’s husband while he was at a supermarket in Big Bear Lake, California. The news led to an anguished rush to Lake Piru, a 145-mile journey filled with fear and emotional turmoil.
After an arduous five-day search, Rivera’s body was discovered in a remote area of the lake on July 13. Dorsey expressed his ongoing disbelief at the loss, stating, “When it happened, I just found myself shaking my head, like, ‘I can’t believe she’s gone.’ It’s still so surreal every day.” The void left by Rivera’s absence has been especially profound during holidays, with Dorsey reflecting on the challenges of explaining unfathomable loss to a young child.
As Dorsey and Josey navigate life without Rivera, the actor emphasised the resilience and positivity displayed by his son, describing him as a joyful and energetic child. Despite the profound tragedy they have endured, Dorsey remains committed to providing a nurturing environment for Josey, striving to be the best parent he can be amidst the grief and loss they continue to grapple with.
While the pain of Naya Rivera’s passing lingers, Dorsey finds solace in the unwavering spirit of his son, who serves as a beacon of hope and light in their shared journey of healing and remembrance. The poignant recount of Josey’s attempt to help his mother serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of loss and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
It is a heart-wrenching reminder of the lasting impact of tragic incidents on families and loved ones, highlighting the importance of support and compassion in times of grief and loss. As Ryan Dorsey and Josey honour the memory of Naya Rivera, their journey towards healing and resilience serves as a testament to the indomitable strength of the human spirit in the face of unimaginable sorrow.