In 2020, Naya Rivera’s heroic final act — saving her 4-year-old son during a tragic boating accident — shook the world. Now 9 years old, the little boy is thriving under the care of his father.

Naya Rivera was best known for her unforgettable role as Santana Lopez on the hit Fox series “Glee,” but behind the scenes, she was deeply devoted to her role as a mother.

She welcomed her only child, son Josey Hollis Dorsey, on September 17, 2015, with her then-husband, Ryan Dorsey. The couple tied the knot in July 2014 during an intimate ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico.

However, their marriage ended two years later when Naya filed for divorce in 2016. At the time, Josey was just 14 months old.

Despite their separation, Naya and Ryan maintained a strong co-parenting relationship, prioritizing their son above all else. Naya once shared, “It’s always going to have its challenges logistically, but Josey is our priority. We’re his parents.”

For the actress, motherhood brought an unexpected depth of emotion. Reflecting on her experience, she revealed that the most surprising part was, “The unconditional love. You hear about it and you think, ‘Well, obviously I’m going to love my child.’ But it’s so deep.”

Tragically, Naya’s time with her son, who she described as her “number one priority,” was cut short in July 2020 during a devastating accident at Lake Piru in California.

While on a boating trip with her then-four-year-old son, she lost her life in a drowning incident. Josey was later found alone on the boat, unharmed and wearing his life jacket.

Ventura County Sheriff Bill Ayub shared details from the investigation, “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. He told investigators that he looked back and saw her disappear under the surface of the water,” he added

Authorities later concluded that Naya’s final moments were spent ensuring her son’s safety. Sheriff Bill explained, “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.”

In the wake of her passing, Naya’s family and Ryan rallied together to provide Josey with the love and support he needed. Naya’s sister, Nickayla Rivera, moved in with Ryan to help care for her nephew.

However, a source clarified, “There is nothing romantic going on between Ryan and Nickayla. They only live together because this is what’s best for Josey right now.” Despite the heartbreak of losing his mother, Josey’s well-being remained the focus of everyone who loved him.

Where is Josey Now?

Josey, now nine years old, has shown remarkable strength as he grows up without his mother. In honor of his son’s ninth birthday in September 2024, Ryan took to Instagram and shared in part, “Where is the time!?…oh my goodness. Our JoJo Binx is 9!”

Josey’s proud dad sweetly concluded, “Keep dreaming and learning and stop growing so big! I know the day of my kisses on the cheek and the days of holding my hand are numbered 🥹😭! Happy 9 years on earth little man!❣️”

Josey even has his own Instagram account, which had over 14, 000 followers at the time of writing. Under the care of his father, he continues to thrive and has captured the hearts of many.

On the first anniversary of Naya’s passing in July 2021, Ryan shared an emotional tribute on Instagram, reflecting on how much their son had grown.

Alongside a photo of Josey, he wrote in part, “Today…A year ago we laid you to rest. I still can’t believe it. The year has flown by, so fast that it doesn’t seem like it’s been a year at all. Our boy has grown so much.”

In another heartfelt post, Ryan expressed pride in Josey’s resilience, writing in part, “This little boy…man…I couldn’t be any prouder of someone. At such a young age, he’s endured more than anyone should at 5 years old.”

As Josey grows older, his accomplishments continue to make his father proud. In early 2023, the year Josey turned eight, a video shared on social media showcased Josey’s basketball skills, impressing fans with his talent.

“From not being able to dribble and knowing very little about the game prior to his first practice, I’m proud of his attitude and how he’s stuck with it and improved,” Ryan shared.

However, Josey’s dad also revealed in a brief update that the little boy had experienced a health scare and was rushed to the emergency room, though he assured followers that Josey was “out of the weeds.”

By May 2023, Ryan shared new photos of Josey in honor of Mother’s Day, showing just how much his son had grown. “@joseydorsey did a Mother’s Day butterfly release for Mama with Grandma and Grammy (& Bess)…” the caption read.

“Afterwards he held his little elf to the sky with a smile and said: ‘Happy Mother’s Day in Heaven, Mommy,'” the post continued.

In October 2024, the year Josey turned nine, he celebrated another milestone as his dad proudly announced that he had wrapped his second production with the Children’s Theatre of Charleston, showing his love for performing on stage.

Josey’s bright future is supported by the love of his family and the continued efforts to honor Naya’s legacy. After her passing, “Glee” — co-starring Kevin McHale — creators Ryan Murphy, Brad Falchuk, and Ian Brennan announced plans to establish a college fund for Josey

In a touching tribute shared to X, formerly Twitter, they described Naya as “one of the most talented, special stars.” The three concluded their note by expressing their condolences to her family and adding, “The three of us are currently in the process of creating a college fund for the beautiful son Naya loved most of all.”

Naya’s legacy lives on through her son, Josey, whose resilience and growth continue to inspire those who follow her story. With the unwavering support of his father and family, Josey is thriving while carrying forward the love and strength his mother showed until her final moments.