Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Ryan Dorsey and Son Forge New Life Five Years After Naya Rivera’s Death

Dorsey’s move to West Virginia created a stable home where his son thrives through counseling, creative pursuits, regular family connections, carefully honored memories of his mother

Image

Overview

  • Dorsey relocated with nine-year-old Josey to Charleston, West Virginia, soon after Rivera’s drowning to rebuild their lives away from Los Angeles.
  • Josey has taken piano lessons for a year and performs in local theater productions as a way to process grief and embrace his mother’s artistic influence.
  • Father and son have engaged grief counselors to navigate loss while maintaining daily FaceTime calls and visits with Rivera’s parents and siblings.
  • Annual video reminders and themed birthday celebrations help Josey preserve memories of his mother, including plans for a Ninja Turtles– or Star Wars–inspired 10th birthday bash.
  • Dorsey remains focused on Josey’s well-being and is open to new relationships when the time feels right to support his son’s future