Ryan Dorsey, the former partner of Naya Rivera, has recounted, for the first time, information regarding the day of her passing.
In an interview with People, the 41-year-old actor disclosed that “her last words were her son’s name before she submerged, and he lost sight of her.”
The Glee star, aged 33, tragically drowned in a California lake in July 2020 while swimming with her young son, Josey.
At the time, Josey, only four years old, informed authorities that his mother had lifted him onto the deck after their boat had drifted away.
Authorities indicated their belief that after rescuing her son, Rivera lacked the strength to save herself.
Dorsey mentioned that his son, now nine, expressed concerns about entering the water – and Rivera had reassured him, saying, “don’t be silly!”.
The vessel occupied by Naya Rivera at the time of her disappearance. Pic: Reuters /Mario Anzuoni
“He repeatedly mentions how he was searching for a life raft, noting there was a rope, but a large spider was on it, making him too frightened to use it,” Dorsey shared with People.
“I continue to reassure him, my boy, that rope wasn’t going to reach far enough.”
Dorsey added: “It simply devastates me to know that he witnessed her final moments.”
Naya Rivera is renowned for her role in Glee. Pic: Frank Micelotta/Invision/AP
Dorsey recounted that he learned of Rivera’s initial disappearance via a call from her stepfather while he was in a grocery store purchasing items for a friend’s barbecue.
“I collapsed into a display of beverages,” Dorsey remarked. “I dreaded the worst.”
Ryan Dorsey alongside Naya Rivera. Pic: Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP
Immediately, Dorsey got into his vehicle and drove 145 miles to Lake Piru, the site where Rivera and their son had gone swimming.
“I drove at speeds exceeding 100, with my hazard lights flashing, smoking countless cigarettes — which I normally don’t do — and crying,” he reflected. “My sole focus was to reach Josey.
“If we had…
“Having lost both Naya and Josey, I am uncertain how I will carry on with my life,” he expressed.
He continued: “When it occurred, I found myself repeatedly shaking my head, like, I can’t believe she is truly gone. It remains so surreal each day.”
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Dorsey mentioned that the holiday season is particularly challenging for his nine-year-old son.
He stated: “We created a memory book for Josey that lies beside his bed, and during the holidays, he couldn’t help but cry while looking through it.”
“All you can do is embrace him and say, ‘I understand, life isn’t fair. Unfortunate events occur without reason, and you must strive to be a kind person.’”
In 2022, a lawsuit initiated by Rivera’s family against Ventura County, California, regarding her drowning was settled privately.
Naya Rivera on the red carpet. Pic: Reuters
The wrongful death and emotional distress lawsuit was filed on behalf of her son.
The family also initiated legal action against the United Water Conservation District and Parks and Recreation Management, alleging their failure to inform visitors about the risks of boating and swimming in the lake, stating that Rivera’s death was “entirely preventable.”
They argued that the rented pontoon boat lacked essential safety equipment, such as flotation devices, lifesaving gear, a ladder, rope, anchor, or any apparatus to prevent swimmers from being separated from the vessel.
However, officials from Ventura County stated that the incident was not their responsibility, noting that the actress had chosen not to wear a life jacket, although the rental agent had placed the life jacket in the boat regardless.
