New details have emerged about Naya Riveras tragic drowning at Lake Piru in 2020. Her young son, Josey, made a brave attempt to save her—but something unexpected got in his way. His father, Ryan Dorsey, recently shared what truly happened that heartbreaking day.
Naya Riveras death on July 8, 2020, left many unanswered questions. Known for her role as Santana Lopez on “Glee,” Naya had taken her son on a boating trip at Lake Piru. When the boat was found adrift hours later with Josey alone and asleep, panic set in.
Authorities launched a large-scale search, but it would take five days to recover her body. While Josey survived, his memories of that day gradually surfaced. Recently, his father revealed new details about those terrifying moments—how his son wanted to save his mother, and what stopped him.
Nayas Final Moments
It started as a joyful afternoon at Lake Piru. Naya rented a pontoon boat for an afternoon outing with her 4-year-old son, Josey, at Lake Piru in Ventura County, California. According to the investigation, mother and son swam together after counting from one to three and jumping into the water.
But as they swam, the boat—unanchored and not equipped with flotation devices—began drifting away. Naya noticed the boat moving farther from them and told Josey to swim back. He recalled how he grabbed onto “the tanks” on the side of the boat and pulling himself around until he could climb back aboard.
Naya, a 33-year-old actress, helped him onto the boat, but she never made it back herself. According to the incident report, Naya likely drowned from exhaustion while trying to get Josey to safety. He later recalled seeing his mother raise her arm, shouting “help” before disappearing beneath the surface.
Although she was in good health, reports noted that Naya had a history of vertigo, which could have worsened in the water, making it difficult for her to stay afloat. What Josey did next shows how quick-thinking and brave he was for a child so young. But despite his courage, he wasnt able to help his mom.
Joseys Brave Attempt to Save His Mom
When his mom didnt resurface, Josey started looking for a way to help. He found a rope on the boat and thought he could throw it to her, but he couldnt. According to his father, Ryan Dorsey, Josey hesitated when he saw a large spider on the rope.
Too scared to touch it, he froze. “Something hes said over and over is that he was trying to find a life raft,” Ryan said. “I keep reassuring him, Buddy, that rope wasnt going to be long enough.” Even though his dad comforts him, Josey still struggles with guilt over that moment.
Josey later recalled that before they entered the water, his mom counted down with him, “One, two, three.” The next time he heard her voice, she was calling out his name in distress. Nayas body was discovered five days later.
The events of that day left a deep mark on Josey. As time passed, he began sharing more details about what happened at the lake. “He said that the last thing she said was his name, and then she went under, and he didnt see her anymore,” Ryan shared. He admitted that what his son witnessed that day “just rocks my world.”
The heartbreaking reality of Josey witnessing his mothers final moments is something Ryan said he will always carry with him. While his sons resilience is undeniable, Ryan admits the experience changed everything about how he approaches fatherhood.
Life After the Tragedy
In the days following Nayas death, Ryan focused on helping Josey adjust to life without his mother. He took his son back to his home state of West Virginia to escape the constant attention in Los Angeles. It was a chance for them to find some peace and adjust to life without Naya.
When they returned to California, Nayas younger sister, Nickayla, moved in to help care for Josey. She stayed for about a year, providing the stability he needed during a turbulent time. Ryan credited her for being a huge support, saying, “She held it down and kept that consistency.”
For Ryan, reminders of Naya are everywhere. “So many songs make me think about her,” he said, noting how music can instantly bring back memories. And then theres Josey—talkative, curious, and determined—just like his mother. “Hes definitely his mamas son,” Ryan . “He doesnt know a stranger. Hes such a happy kid.”
Josey Hollis Dorsey | Source: Instagram/dorseyryan
Honoring Nayas Legacy
Although life has moved forward, Nayas memory remains a constant presence for her loved ones. Now 9 years old, Josey has grown into a confident boy who still carries his mothers spirit. On what would have been her 38th birthday, Ryan shared a touching tribute on Instagram.
“Thoughts every day about how it went wrong,” he wrote. “I shake my head often still in disbelief. They say time heals all, but all is not grief.” For those whove followed the familys tragic story, Joseys strength and resilience have left a deep impression.
Social media users often comment on how much he reminds them of his mother. “He looks just like Naya,” one person wrote. Others called him “a stunning young man” and said, “His mama is shining down from heaven and so proud.”
When news broke that Josey had tried to throw a rope to save his mom, the emotional responses were overwhelming. “My heart is broken for him,” one commenter shared. “I hope he doesnt feel like this is his fault because its not at all.”
Another wrote, “That poor baby… while there is no way to fully heal from watching your mom die, Im praying that hes doing better.” One user added, “My stomach hurt reading this. That poor baby.”
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To help Josey stay connected to his mother, Ryan created a memory book filled with photos and stories about Naya. The book sits by Joseys bed, and during the holidays, he often looks through it, reflecting on the time they shared.
“Its hard trying to explain things that you cant really make sense of, no matter what age you are,” Ryan admitted. Music is another way they honor her. Songs she loved—and those she sang on “Glee”—bring back vivid memories of happier times.
Among them are Amy Winehouses “Valerie” and Post Malone’s “Sunflower,” which Ryan said always reminds him of her. He and Naya tied the knot in 2014 and were married for four years before finalizing their divorce in 2018.
According to court documents, the former couple agreed to share joint custody of Josey and waived spousal support. Nearly five years after Nayas tragic death, her story remains one of heartbreak, bravery, and resilience. For Josey and Ryan, the loss was life-changing.
For Ryan, the message he shared in his tribute to Naya Rivera says it best, “Be kind to the ones you love. Youll never know when you give your last hug.”
