Ryan Dorsey Breaks His Silence on Naya Rivera’s Tragic Death
In an emotionally charged interview with People, actor Ryan Dorsey has opened up for the first time about the tragic death of his ex-wife, Naya Rivera, who passed away in July 2020. The couple, who were divorced in 2018 after four years of marriage, shared a son, Josey, who was just four years old when his mother drowned in Lake Piru, California. Dorsey, known for his roles in Justified and Ray Donovan, shared heartbreaking details about how Josey has grappled with guilt and trauma following the incident.
Josey’s Trauma and Guilt Over Naya’s Death
Josey, now nine years old, has expressed deep-seated guilt over not being able to save his mother. According to Dorsey, Josey has repeatedly shared the traumatic details of that fateful day. "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 revealed. He reassured his son that the rope would not have been long enough to save Rivera, hoping to alleviate some of Josey’s guilt. Dorsey also shared that the last thing Rivera said before she disappeared underwater was Josey’s name, a moment that has left an indelible mark on their lives.
The Day Naya Rivera Went Missing
On July 8, 2020, Rivera and Josey rented a pontoon boat and spent the afternoon swimming and boating on Lake Piru. When Rivera went missing, Josey was found asleep on the boat by authorities. Dorsey recalled the moment he received the devastating news from Rivera’s stepfather while grocery shopping in Big Bear Lake, California. "I instantly said, ‘What do you mean? She knows how to swim,’" Dorsey remembered, his voice cracking with emotion. Upon hearing that Josey had made it back to the boat but Rivera was missing, Dorsey collapsed and rushed to Lake Piru, a harrowing 145-mile drive filled with fear and grief.
Ryan Dorsey’s Grief and Reflections
The days that followed were a blur of anguish for Dorsey, who not only mourned the loss of the mother of his child but also feared for Josey’s well-being. "If we’d have lost both Naya and Josey, I don’t know how I would continue on with my life," Dorsey confessed, reflecting on the unimaginable horror of that possibility. Rivera’s body was recovered five days later, on July 13, 2020, from a remote section of the lake. She was just 33 years old. Dorsey’s interview with People marks the first time he has spoken publicly about the tragedy, though he has occasionally shared updates about Josey’s journey on social media.
Finding Strength and Moving Forward
Dorsey and Josey have since relocated from Los Angeles to West Virginia, seeking a fresh start away from the painful memories of their past. Despite the challenges, Dorsey describes Josey as "such a happy kid," though the holiday season remains particularly difficult for both of them. "It’s hard trying to explain things that you can’t really make sense of no matter what age you are," Dorsey admitted. He has been open about the struggles of co-parenting without Rivera but remains committed to helping Josey navigate his grief. In a heartfelt Instagram tribute marking the one-year anniversary of Rivera’s death, Dorsey wrote, "He misses you but knows he’ll see you again."
Naya Rivera’s Legacy Lives On Through Josey
Though it’s been nearly three years since Rivera’s passing, the wounds remain raw for Dorsey and Josey. Dorsey continues to grapple with the senselessness of the tragedy, refusing to find comfort in platitudes about fate or divine plans. "I’m not a big believer in everything happens for a reason," he said, "because I can’t ever think of a reason why he doesn’t have his mom." As they navigate this new chapter of their lives, Dorsey is determined to honor Rivera’s memory by raising Josey to be resilient and compassionate, even in the face of unimaginable loss. The story of Naya Rivera, her vibrant spirit, and the enduring bond she shared with her son continues to inspire those who knew her and fans around the world.
