Nearly five years after Glee star Naya Rivera drowned in Lake Piru, her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, opened up about their son Josey’s lingering pain.
In a raw new interview posted to Instagram, Dorsey, 41, revealed how the now 9-year-old wrestles with guilt over his inability to save his mother during that tragic boating trip. The emotional account sheds light on a child’s grief and a father’s struggle to offer comfort.
Dorsey explained that Josey, only 4 at the time, watched helplessly as Rivera, 33, slipped beneath the water. He said the last thing she did was call out Josey’s name before disappearing.
The young boy told his dad he tried to find a life raft but froze when he saw a spider on a rope. Dorsey comforts his son by saying the rope wouldn’t have been long enough anyway. Still, the memory haunts them both.
Experts in child psychology note that witnessing such a loss can leave lasting scars. Dr. Emily Carter, a grief counselor with 15 years of experience, said kids Josey’s age often blame themselves for things they can’t control. For Dorsey, it’s tough to explain something so senseless. He admitted it rocks his world to know Josey saw his mom’s final moments.
Lake Piru, a 130-foot-deep reservoir in California, has claimed 26 lives, including Rivera’s, due to its unpredictable currents. In 2022, Dorsey settled a wrongful death lawsuit against the boat rental company, claiming their vessel didn’t meet safety standards.
However, he emphasized that no settlement can replace what Josey lost. Instead, Dorsey focuses on supporting his son, often with just a hug and words of reassurance about life’s unfairness.
Dorsey’s candid interview, shared on social media, has struck a chord with fans and parents alike. He described how Josey repeats the same heartbreaking story about the spider and the rope. Each time, Dorsey gently reminds him he did all he could. The father of one said it’s hard to find the right words when even he can’t make sense of the tragedy.
Rivera’s death in July 2020 shocked the entertainment world. She and Josey had rented a boat for a day on the lake, but she drowned while swimming. Josey was found alone, safe but shaken.
Since then, Dorsey has raised their son solo, navigating grief together. He uses his platform to share their story, offering a glimpse into their healing process.
For now, Dorsey keeps moving forward, leaning on love and patience. Transitioning from loss to living, he hopes Josey finds peace someday. Until then, he’ll keep hugging his son and facing the pain head-on.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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