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 and the lasting impact on their now nine-year-old son.
According to Dorsey, Josey vividly recalls the moments leading up to his mother’s disappearance. He remembers that Rivera used her last strength to help him back onto the boat but couldn’t save herself. In his recollection, the last thing she said was his name before she went under and disappeared. This memory has profoundly affected Josey, leading to feelings of guilt and confusion.
One particular aspect that haunts Josey is his attempt to rescue his mother. He recalls trying to find a life raft and noticing a rope on the boat. However, there was a spider on the rope, and he was too scared to touch it. Josey believes that if he had thrown the rope to his mother, he might have saved her. Dorsey has tried to reassure him, explaining that the rope wouldn’t have been long enough to reach her and that he shouldn’t blame himself for what happened.
The incident occurred when Rivera and Josey went swimming during their boat outing. Authorities believe that after they jumped into the water, the boat began to drift away due to wind and currents. Rivera likely used her energy to get Josey back onto the boat but couldn’t save herself. Her body was recovered five days later.
In the years since the tragedy, Dorsey has focused on supporting Josey through his grief. He acknowledges the challenges of navigating life without Rivera and emphasizes the importance of being a good parent to help them both move forward. Despite the passage of time, certain memories remain vivid for Josey, and Dorsey continues to provide reassurance and support as they cope with their loss.
This heartbreaking account underscores the profound and lasting impact of such tragedies on young children and highlights the importance of compassionate support for those coping with loss.
