It's been nearly five years since Glee star Naya Rivera tragically drowned at Lake Piru, but the pain of her loss still lingers—especially for her son, Josey.
On July 8, 2020, Naya and her then-4-year-old son rented a pontoon boat for a fun day on the water. But what was meant to be a joyful outing turned into heartbreak when Naya disappeared beneath the lake's surface, saving Josey but never making it back herself.
Josey's Last Memory of His Mom
Now 9 years old, Josey still struggles with guilt, believing he could have done more to save his mother. In an emotional interview, Naya’s ex-husband Ryan Dorsey revealed that Josey remembers trying to find a rope to help his mom—but a spider on the rope scared him away.
"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," Ryan shared.
Despite Josey's brave efforts, the boat had already drifted too far. Authorities later confirmed that Naya used her last strength to push her son onto the boat before slipping underwater.
A Father's Heartbreak
Ryan, who was miles away when he received the devastating call about Naya's disappearance, rushed to Lake Piru, fearing the worst.
"I collapsed into a pallet of drinks... I just wanted to get to Josey," he recalled.
After an intense five-day search, Naya’s body was found on July 13, 2020. The cause of death was ruled accidental drowning.
A Preventable Tragedy
Following her death, Naya's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit, claiming that the rental company failed to provide proper safety equipment, like life jackets or an anchor. The lawsuit was settled in 2022, ensuring that Josey would be financially supported.
Keeping Naya’s Legacy Alive
Despite the tragedy, Josey remembers his mother through her work, watching episodes of Glee and her performances.
"His mom will live forever," Ryan said.
Though Naya is gone, her love, talent, and legacy live on—in her son, in her fans, and in the hearts of those who continue to remember her. ❤️
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