Hollywood Actress Drowns After Saving Her Child
Naya Rivera Memorial at Lake Piru. Photo by Gguijarro99 under CC BY-SA 4.0.
In July 2020, the world was devastated by the tragic news of Naya Rivera's death. The beloved "Glee" star drowned while on a boating trip with her 4-year-old son at Lake Piru, California. What started as a relaxing day on the lake turned into a heartbreaking tragedy, with Rivera's final moments revealing the depth of a mother's love.
A Day on the Lake Gone Wrong
On July 8, 2020, Naya Rivera, 33, rented a pontoon boat on Lake Piru for an afternoon outing with her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey. The peaceful day took a tragic turn when the pair decided to go swimming. Josey later told investigators that after swimming for a short while, his mother helped him back onto the boat but could not make it back herself. He remembered seeing her disappear under the water.
Josey was found alone on the drifting boat, asleep and wearing a life jacket. A frantic search for the actress began, but after five long days, her body was discovered floating in the lake on July 13. An autopsy confirmed she had drowned. Investigators believe Rivera used her last bit of strength to save her son. The boat had been unanchored, and strong currents may have made it difficult for Rivera to reach safety. Despite being a strong swimmer, Rivera likely drowned because of wind and exhaustion. Lake Piru had a history of drownings, and after Rivera's death, officials banned swimming in the lake all together.
A Star on the Rise
Naya Rivera was born on Jan. 12, 1987, in Valencia, California. She began her career early, landing her first role at just 4 years old on the sitcom "The Royal Family." Her career took off when she was cast as Santana Lopez on "Glee" in 2009. The role brought her widespread recognition, and Rivera quickly became a fan-favorite on the hit show. Outside of acting, Rivera was also a talented singer and author. In her memoir, "Sorry Not Sorry," she reflected on her life, career, and her greatest joy — motherhood.
The Aftermath and Legal Action
Rivera's death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and beyond. Her family, including her ex-husband Ryan Dorsey, was left reeling from the tragedy. In November 2020, a wrongful death lawsuit was filed on behalf of Josey, accusing Ventura County of negligence for failing to provide adequate warnings about the lake's hazards.
The lawsuit claimed that the lack of safety measures and proper signage at Lake Piru contributed to Rivera's death. In 2022, a settlement was reached to ensure financial security for Josey, who now lives with his father full-time.
The 'Glee Curse'
Rivera's death added to the eerie speculation of a "'Glee' Curse," as she was the third major cast member to die young. Her body was found on July 13, the same date her co-star Cory Monteith died in 2013. Another castmate, Mark Salling, died by suicide in 2018. While the notion of a curse remains debated, the tragic fates of several "Glee" actors have left fans heartbroken.
Naya Rivera will be remembered for her incredible talent and the love she had for her son. While her passing is a tremendous loss, her legacy as an actress, singer, and devoted mother lives on.
References: 'Glee' actress Naya Rivera 'mustered enough energy' to rescue her son 'but not enough to save herself,' authorities say | Naya Rivera's family reaches settlement in wrongful death lawsuit | The Heartbreaking Death Of Naya Rivera, The Beloved 'Glee' Star Who Drowned At Age 33
