Naya Rivera’s Son Josey To Receive ‘Just Compensation’ After Wrongful Death Suit Settlement

Naya Rivera’s family has settled their wrongful death lawsuit against California’s Ventura County over the actress’ accidental drowning.

The “Glee” star died in a drowning accident on Lake Piru in Southern California in 2020 while she was out boating with her then-4-year-old son, Josey Hollis Dorsey. In November of that year, Rivera’s ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, 38, filed a wrongful death and emotional distress lawsuit against the county. Dorsey made the complaint on behalf of their son, who was with Rivera during the drowning incident.

In a statement issued to E! News Tuesday, Amjad M. Khan of Brown, Neri, Smith & Khan, the attorney for Rivera’s estate and her son, said that Josey, now 6, will receive “just compensation” as part of the settlement between the late actress’ family and the other parties involved in the case.

“Through this settlement, Josey will receive just compensation for having to endure the drowning of his beloved mother at Lake Piru. Though the tragic loss of Josey's mother can never truly be overcome, we are very pleased that the monetary settlement will significantly assist Josey with his life beyond this tragedy,” the statement from the lawyer read.

The “Sorry” singer went boating on Lake Piru with her son in July 2020. Reports said Josey was found alone in the boat Rivera rented after it was not returned on time, prompting employees to search for her in the water. She was reported missing and was declared dead after a days-long search by authorities, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The Ventura County Medical Examiner determined Rivera’s cause of death to be drowning and said it was an accident. However, Dorsey claimed in the lawsuit that the county, Parks and Recreation Management and United Water Conservation District failed to provide visitors with proper safety equipment and warn them of the dangers of boating and swimming in the lake.

In an initial response to the suit, Ventura County officials argued that Rivera’s death was not their fault because the actress herself decided not to wear a life jacket when she set out with her son. They noted that Rivera “declined” when she was “offered a life vest,” according to The Blast.