Naya Rivera’s ex, Ryan Dorsey, has spoken out for the first time about the actress’ tragic passing.
On Saturday (July 25), Ryan, who was married to Naya from 2014-2018, shared a poignant throwback snapshot of his ex-wife cradling their son, Josey, in her arms at sunset.
“This is so unfair…there’s not enough words to express the hole left in everyone’s hearts,” he began the caption. “I can’t believe this is life now. I don’t know if I’ll ever believe it. You were just here… We were just in the back swimming with Josey the day before.”
“Life just isn’t fair. I don’t know what to say…I’m thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for,” he continued. “I remember sometimes you used to get annoyed at me: ‘Ryan can you stop snap chatting!’ Haha. I’m glad I didn’t listen to you because I have hundreds and probably thousands of snaps and videos that Josey will have forever and know his momma loved him more than life, and how much fun we had together as he was growing up”
“Life is all about good times and bad times but with Josey it makes the bad a little less so because a part of you will always be with us,” he went on, vowing, “He’ll never forget where he came from.”
“We miss you. We will always love you. Love you Meep. 🖤💔🖤,” he expressed, before thanking everyone who reached out to him and his family.
Naya was reported missing last Wednesday (July 8) after going on a boat ride with her four-year-old son Josey on Lake Piru in the Los Padres National Forest in Ventura County, California – about 50 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. After an extensive search, authorities recovered a body from the lake on Monday (July 13).
On Tuesday (July 14), Ventura County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Naya’s identity – via dental records – and stated that the cause of death was accidental drowning as there was no evidence of foul play or suicide.
Ventura County Sherriff Bill Ayub shared what authorities believe led to Rivera’s death during a news conference that afternoon.
“We know from speaking with her son that he and Naya swam in the lake together at some point during their journey. It was during that time that her son described being helped into the boat by Naya, who boosted him onto the deck from behind,” the sheriff said. “He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water.”
Police believe that the actress disappeared sometime in mid-afternoon, when “there are a lot of currents on the lake.”
Sherriff Ayub also said: “The idea perhaps being that the boat started drifting, it was unanchored, and that she mustered enough energy to get her son back onto the boat, but not enough to save herself.”
Friends, fans and co-stars have been mourning the tragic loss with touching tributes on social media, and the Glee cast promised to look out for her son. The show’s creators, Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk and Ian Brennan, are also creating a college fund for Josey.
Naya’s family has since issued a statement, sharing their grief at “the loss of our beautiful legend.” They also thanked the people who helped search for the actress and Naya’s friends and colleagues for their support.
“Heaven gained our sassy angel. We kindly request that our privacy be respected during this very difficult time,” the statement concludes.
Rest in power, Naya.
