In July 2020, actress Naya Rivera tragically drowned during a boating trip with her four-year-old son, Josey, at Lake Piru in California. Nearly five years later, her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, has shared poignant details about that fateful day, shedding light on Josey’s attempts to save his mother and the lasting impact of the incident on their lives.
Josey’s Attempt to Rescue His Mother
According to Dorsey, on the day of the incident, Rivera and Josey had rented a pontoon boat to enjoy an afternoon on the lake. At some point, they decided to swim. As they were swimming, the boat began to drift away due to strong winds. Rivera, realizing the danger, instructed Josey to return to the boat. In an interview with People, Dorsey recounted that Josey remembered his mother calling his name before she disappeared beneath the water’s surface. In a bid to save her, Josey attempted to throw a rope to his mother but was deterred by a spider he saw on it. Dorsey emphasized that even if Josey had managed to throw the rope, it wouldn’t have been long enough to reach Rivera. Despite this, Josey has grappled with feelings of guilt, believing he could have done more to save her.
The Aftermath and Coping with Grief
The loss of Rivera profoundly affected both Josey and Dorsey. Dorsey described the immediate aftermath as a period of shock and disbelief. He recounted the harrowing experience of being notified about Rivera’s disappearance and the frantic drive to the lake, only to find Josey alone on the boat, asleep and wearing a life jacket. Rivera’s body was recovered five days later, and her death was ruled an accidental drowning.
In the years since the tragedy, Dorsey has focused on providing a stable and nurturing environment for Josey. The two relocated to Dorsey’s home state of West Virginia, seeking solace away from the public eye. Dorsey has taken on fewer acting roles to prioritize his son’s well-being, emphasizing the importance of being present and supportive. He acknowledges the challenges of navigating life without Rivera, especially during significant milestones and holidays, but remains committed to honoring her memory by raising Josey with love and resilience.
Addressing Misconceptions and Moving Forward
Dorsey has also taken steps to address misconceptions surrounding Rivera’s death. He clarified that while initial reports suggested the incident occurred in 2022, the tragedy actually took place in 2020. This distinction is crucial for the accuracy of public records and for honoring Rivera’s legacy appropriately.
As Josey grows, Dorsey continues to provide him with the support and guidance needed to process his emotions. He emphasizes open communication, allowing Josey to express his feelings and ask questions about his mother. Dorsey believes that by fostering a loving and understanding environment, he can help his son navigate the complexities of grief and ensure that Rivera’s memory remains a positive and guiding force in their lives.
In sharing these intimate details, Dorsey hopes to shed light on the realities of coping with such a profound loss and to honor Rivera’s memory by highlighting the enduring bond between mother and son.
