Ryan Dorsey Opens Up About Learning of Naya Rivera’s Death

Ryan Dorsey is reflecting on the most heartbreaking period of his life.

For the first time since the unfortunate drowning incident five years ago involving his ex-wife, Naya Rivera (mother of their 9-year-old son Josey), Ryan is discussing the emotional phone call he received from the husband of Naya’s mom, informing him that Naya was missing.

He quickly responded, “What do you imply? She can swim, right?” he later told People in an interview published February 12, adding that he was at a grocery store when he heard this. “He explained they had jumped into the water and Josey managed to get back on board, but they were still searching for Naya.” Overwhelmed by the news, he stumbled against a stack of drinks. He wasn’t sure what to make of it, but his worst fears were immediately triggered.

Ryan hastily climbed into his vehicle and swiftly covered the 145-mile distance to Lake Piru, as that was where Naya had hired a floating boat for a daytime aquatic outing with Josey.

He stated that for the entire journey, he had his emergency blinkers flashing continuously while he chain-smoked cigarettes, an action unusual for him, and was in tears. All he desired was to reach Josey as quickly as possible.

Ryan described those five days as the most challenging or difficult ones he’d ever experienced, as they were when the search and rescue team found Naya’s body.

He remarked, “If Naya and Josey had not been here, I’m unsure how I could carry on living – they mean too much to me.

Even though Josey was just four years old during the incident, Ryan mentioned that over the years, his son has recalled additional details about that fateful day. For instance, it was windy on that day and Josey had expressed concerns about entering the water due to these conditions.

But as Ryan noted, he doesn’t think there’s anything that could have been done.

He mused, “Perhaps she stumbled into some bushes accidentally, but it could also have been an unusual ripple from the dam. It was simply a strange and unexpected event.

However, despite the hardships of his past, Ryan notes that Josey’s life is a mix of joy and sorrow – and he sees many similarities between Josey and his mother due to their resilience and positive spirit.

Ryan noted, “It’s clear he takes after his mother, as he persists in speaking when he doesn’t receive the response he desires.” In other words, “He enjoys chatting, and that trait is definitely a reflection of his mom.

He added of his son, “He doesn’t know a stranger. He is such a happy kid.”

For more of Josey’s sweetest moments with his parents, keep reading.

Ryan recalled, feeling a surge of emotion, “He mentioned that her final words were his name, after which she sank beneath the surface and he lost sight of her. It’s devastating for him to have been there as she took her last breath.

He mentioned that Josey continues to carry a heavy burden of regret about the event, questioning if there might have been alternative actions he could have taken.

Ryan stated, “He repeatedly mentions a situation where he was searching for a life raft and there was a rope nearby, but a large spider was on it. He was so terrified he didn’t throw the rope.” Ryan continued, “I keep telling him, ‘Dude, that rope wasn’t going to reach far enough.’ Apparently, this detail is etched in his memory because he thinks he could have rescued her if only he had used the rope despite its short length.

But as Ryan noted, he doesn’t think there’s anything that could have been done.

He mused, “Perhaps she stumbled into some bushes accidentally, or maybe there was an unusual phenomenon coming from the dam. It was simply an unexpected incident.

However, despite his troubled past, Ryan notes that Josey’s life is a blend of joy and sorrow, intermingled with moments of anguish – yet, he sees a strong resemblance to Josey’s mother in him.

In my expert opinion, you can clearly see this individual takes after his mother, as he persists in conversation when not receiving the response he desires – a trait I’d say is distinctly maternal. He’s quite chatty, and I dare say that’s a testament to his strong connection with mom!

He added of his son, “He doesn’t know a stranger. He is such a happy kid.”

For more of Josey’s sweetest moments with his parents, keep reading.

Ryan Dorsey, Naya’s ex, posted on Instagram in June 2021, ‘Just graduated from Pre-K! Next stop: Kindergarten! #summertime #proudfather’

Naya’s ex Ryan Dorsey has a fun pool day with their son in June 2021.

In simpler terms, Ryan Dorsey expressed his gratitude for Naya Rivera being a mother and giving him their wonderful son, using “thank you” instead of expressing happiness on Mother’s Day 2021, which was the first one after her death in July 2020. The post also included an unseen photo of Naya and their son.

On this special Mother’s Day of 2021, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude, dear Grammy. Your constant support, boundless love, assistance in every corner, patience, kindness, and all the little things you do for us – they are truly invaluable. We cherish you deeply.

In March 2021, Ryan Dorsey, who is previously married to Naya, posted a sweet flashback photo featuring Josey and their two pets.

In January 2021, Ryan Dorsey posted a nostalgic family picture in honor of his ex-partner’s 34th birthday.

As strange as it feels like a dream, you’re actually gone,” he penned down. “If my words convey the oddity of this situation, then nothing about this still seems logical…34..I could almost hear your laughter at being so ‘old’. Rest peacefully, dear old friend.

The two celebrate their first Christmas since Naya’s death five months prior.

As a devoted admirer, I’m rephrasing Ryan Dorsey’s recent post: Two weeks after Naya’s tragic drowning incident during our boat trip together, he shared a heartfelt photo of us and our precious son, our sole child.

Ryan posted on Instagram, “This is so unjust… Words seem inadequate to describe the void felt by everyone.” He continued, “I find it hard to accept this is reality. I’m not sure I ever will. You were here just yesterday… We were in the pool with Josey the day before. Life can be so cruel sometimes.

He went on to express, “I’m at a loss for words… I’m grateful for the moments we shared and the path that led us to each other, ultimately giving us the most wonderful, intelligent, and caring little boy anyone could wish for. There were times when you’d scold me: ‘Ryan, please stop Snapchatting!’ Ha! I’m glad I didn’t heed your advice because Josey will have countless Snaps and videos that show him his mother’s love, and the joy we shared as he grew up. Life may bring good times and bad, but with Josey, the hardships are a little more bearable because a piece of you will always be with us. He’ll never forget his roots. We miss you dearly. We will always cherish our love for you. Love you, Meep.

Three weeks prior to Naya Rivera’s passing, her former partner, Ryan Dorsey, posted a photo featuring him, Josey, and one of their pets.

On New Year’s Day 2020, Ryan Dorsey, who was previously married to Naya, posted a family photo – around seven months prior to Naya’s passing.

“Practice in WalMart makes perfect,” Josey’s dad Ryan Dorsey wrote on Instagram in November 2019.

Josey and dad Ryan Dorsey celebrate Halloween with matching Toy Story costumes.

Why so ssssserious? The two also dressed up as the Joker and Batman from The Dark Knight.

Last week, Rivera posted a picture of her snuggling with her baby, accompanied by the caption, “Just us two.

The mother-son duo made a stylish pair in this March 2020 photo.

“Batman and Batgirl,” Rivera wrote in November 2019. “Perfect duo.”

I’ll love and admire you forever, my dear Josey, as long as I am alive, Happy Birthday, with all my love, Mommy.

The two attended the Los Angeles premiere of The Lego Movie 2: The Second Part in February 2019.

“Camel ridin with my main man!” Rivera wrote in November 2018.

The Glee star who portrayed Santana posted a Halloween picture of their 2018 outfits with the caption, “We’ve got it!” Accompanied by the hashtag: #HappyHalloween.