Naya Rivera's ex files wrongful death lawsuit against boat company
By Mark Gray Wonderwall 1:46pm PST, Nov 18, 2020
Naya Rivera's ex-husband has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the owner of the boat that the "Glee" star rented before she drowned.
Ryan Dorsey filed the lawsuit on behalf of 5-year-old son Josey Hollis Dorsey, who was with Naya the day that she disappeared into the water of Southern California's Lake Piru, TMZ reported on Nov. 18. Ryan, via his lawyer, argued that the boat Naya and Josey were on didn't comply with safety standards.
The pontoon boat, Ryan says, was "not equipped with a safely accessible ladder, adequate rope, an anchor, a radio or any security mechanisms to prevent swimmers from being separated from their boats, nor any flotation or lifesaving devices" — which he says violates California law.
Naya, who played Santana Lopez on the hit FOX show for six seasons, went missing on the afternoon of July 8 after taking Josey on the lake. Three hours after Naya rented the boat, it was spotted adrift with only Josey asleep and alone on board.
Naya's body was recovered on July 13.
Authorities later said the actress was swimming with her son when the water got rough, causing the boat to drift. After battling a strong current, she got back to the vessel and "mustered the energy" to heroically save her son, boosting him back up into the boat. This, however, left Naya exhausted, and she disappeared into the water.
The coroner confirmed that Naya died of accidental drowning.
As part of the lawsuit, Ryan claims there were no signs to warn of the lake's dangerous conditions. His legal documents also state that the person who rented the boat to Naya never warned her to wear a life preserver while out of the boat.
Ryan noted that more than two dozen people have drown in Lake Piru.
Jon Hamm wears shorts on a walk with his dog, more great photos of stars with their pets in 2023 Share Tweet
Tiffani Thiessen turns 49 — '90s TV stars: Where are they now? Share Tweet
Smokey Robinson reveals he had affair with Diana Ross during first marriage, more news Share Tweet
Jeremy Renner source claims 'it's much worse than anyone knows' after actor's sister gives health update amid his snowplow accident recovery, more news ICYMI Share Tweet