What Ryan Dorsey Has Been Doing Since Naya Rivera's Death
The world was left heartbroken and devastated after actor Naya Rivera suddenly died. In July 2020, the "Glee" star went missing after she and her son, Josey Dorsey, rented a boat in California, per CNN. Her son, found on the boat, revealed to authorities his mom didn't return after the two decided to go for a swim. After a six-day search of the area, Rivera's body was found. According to People, the investigation revealed, "She helped him [Josey] onto the boat and then he then heard [Naya] yell 'help' and she put her arm in the air. She then disappeared into the water." The autopsy ruled the death as a drowning.
Following the news of Rivera's death, tributes to the actor flooded social media with love and support for Rivera and her family. All messages were emotional, but the most heartbreaking one came from her former husband, Ryan Dorsey.
Two weeks after Rivera had passed, Dorsey penned an emotional tribute to her on Instagram. He wrote, "This is so unfair...there's not enough words to express the hole left in everyone's hearts. I can't believe this is life now. I don't know if I'll ever believe it....Life just isn't fair." Dorsey continued, "I don't know what to say...I'm thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for." He ended by saying, "We miss you. We will always love you. Love you Meep."
Ryan Dorsey filed a wrongful death lawsuit
Four months after Naya Rivera's tragic death, her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, filed a wrongful death lawsuit, per TMZ. Dorsey was filing on behalf of his and Rivera's son, Josey, who was five at the time of the accident. Per the Los Angeles Times, Dorsey filed the paperwork against the United Water Conservation District and Ventura County's Parks and Recreation Management. He claimed the boat did not have the necessary safety gear required by law, saying the boat was "not equipped with a safely accessible ladder, adequate rope, an anchor, a radio or any security mechanisms to prevent swimmers from being separated from their boats, nor any flotation or lifesaving devices." Dorsey believes that if these supplies were on the boat, it could have prevented Rivera's death. In addition, he alleges that the lake's surrounding area had no caution signs regarding the aggressive water currents.
The lawsuit lasted for an agonizing two years before it was settled in March 2022, per Page Six. The family's attorney, Amjad M. Khan, shared the news about the settlement. He said, "Through this settlement, Josey will receive just compensation for having to endure the drowning of his beloved mother at Lake Piru." Khan addressed that this could never make up for the loss of Rivera, but reassured that the money would help assist Josey with his future. Dorsey decided to keep his opinions about the settlement private and never directly spoke about how it was settled.
Ryan Dorsey continues to honor Naya Rivera
The death of a loved one is one of the most difficult things people have to go through. Grief affects people differently as they deal with losing the one they love. Although this has been a tough journey for Ryan Dorsey, he continues to honor his ex-wife and beloved actor, Naya Rivera.
Dorsey has shared several posts paying tribute to the "Glee" actor. On Mother's Day in 2021, Dorsey posted a photo to Instagram of Rivera and their son, Josey Dorsey. He said, "We can't say the word happy but we'll say thank you for being a mother & giving me this sweet amazing boy. #mothersday." This has only been one of the many posts he's dedicated to Rivera. His social media is filled with images of the actor and their son. Even as time passes, Dorsey continues to make sure Rivera is remembered.
His latest tribute to the actor came on what would have been her 36th birthday. On January 12th, 2023, Dorsey shared a photo on Instagram of Rivera smiling alongside their son. He said, "IIIVI. A little easier with each little bit of time that passes by to look at pictures...but I still don't have the answers to the questions to the why's our sweet boy asks from time to time. I never will. Doing the best we can. Fly High." Dorsey ended by asking his followers to take "a moment of gratitude" and appreciate the life they have.