Ryan Dorsey Reflects on Naya Rivera’s Death As 5-Year Anniversary Approaches

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — As the fifth anniversary of Naya Rivera‘s tragic death approaches, her ex-husband Ryan Dorsey opened up in an emotional interview reflecting on the impact her loss has had on their son, Josey.

Rivera, best known for her role as Santana Lopez on the hit television show Glee, drowned at Lake Piru in July 2020 while swimming with Josey, who was just four years old at the time. Dorsey, now 41, recounted the harrowing day he learned of her disappearance, saying, “I instantly said, ‘What do you mean? She knows how to swim.’”

This summer marks nearly five years since Rivera’s death, but reminders of her persist for Dorsey, especially as their son closely resembles her. “He’s definitely his mama’s son,” Dorsey remarked with a smile. “When he doesn’t get the answer he wants, he keeps talking.”

Dorsey shared that songs like Amy Winehouse‘s ‘Valerie,’ which Rivera performed on Glee, bring back memories of her. “So many songs make me think about her,” he said.

On that fateful day, Dorsey was grocery shopping when he received a call from Rivera’s family, prompting him to drive 145 miles to Lake Piru. “I drove 100-and-something the whole way,” Dorsey recalled, visibly shaken by the memory. “I just wanted to get to Josey.”

Authorities later reported that Josey was found alone on an adrift pontoon boat, while Rivera’s body was discovered five days later. Dorsey reflected on Josey’s resilience, stating, “He is such a happy kid,” but noted that the trauma has left its mark. Josey still struggles with guilt, believing he could have saved his mother.

This emotional weight has been difficult for both Dorsey and Josey. “It’s hard trying to explain things that you can’t make sense of, no matter what age you are,” Dorsey said. He reassures his son that the events were a “freak occurrence” and reassures him that he did nothing wrong.

Following Rivera’s death, Dorsey and Josey moved back to West Virginia for a quieter life away from the media spotlight. “It feels safe and there’s no traffic,” he said of their new environment.

Dorsey has also had to balance single fatherhood with his career, sharing that acting opportunities continue to arise in various projects, including an upcoming episode of CBS’ Tracker. “I’m hopeful for a big break as a series regular soon,” he added.

Josey, now 9, has repeatedly expressed a desire for a stepmother and siblings, prompting Dorsey to begin dating again. “Expecting someone to sign up for my life and his life, it’s not easy,” he admitted.

Despite the hardships, Dorsey remains committed to carrying on Rivera’s memory, planning a significant birthday celebration for Josey. “I’m trying to be the best parent that I can be and raise a good little man,” he said, emphasizing the importance of family in healing.