logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Naya Rivera's Dad Recalls Last FaceTime Call with Late Daughter before Her Death

Laura Beatham
Jun 14, 2021
06:40 A.M.

Naya Rivera's Dad recalled the last FaceTime call with his late daughter before her death during an exclusive interview with People.

Advertisement

The late "Glee" star Naya Rivera had FaceTimed her father, George Rivera, moments before she passed away from accidentally drowning while she was out boating with her young son, Josey, in Ventura County.

George shared details of the heartbreaking phone call with People magazine and shared that he immediately got a bad feeling about the situation once their FaceTime call ended.

Naya Rivera and her son, Josey, at the "Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" premiere. 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

Naya Rivera and her son, Josey, at the "Lego Movie 2: The Second Part" premiere. 2019. | Photo: Getty Images

Naya had decided to ask her father, who she regularly sought advice from, about whether she and her son could go for a swim while they were out on the Lake. She told her father that the boat did not have an anchor.

George relayed their conversation from almost a year ago to People and explained that he had cautioned his daughter not to jump in for a swim, as the boat might drift away from them. The mourning father explained:

Advertisement

"I kept telling her, 'Don't get out of the boat! Don't get out of the boat! It will drift away when you're in the water."

George Rivera and his grandson, Josey. | Photo: Instagram/nayarivera

George Rivera and his grandson, Josey. | Photo: Instagram/nayarivera

Their conversation lasted for another few minutes before it cut off. He remembered that he had a bad feeling about his daughter and grandson, that was killing him. Within hours, George's bad feeling became a reality.

On July 8, 2020, Naya's son, who she welcomed with her ex-husband, Ryan Dorsey, was found asleep on their rented boat on the shores of Lake Piru after the boat was not returned to the lake's rental staff.

The "Glee" cast honored Naya... at the GLAAD Media Awards in April last year.

Advertisement
A close up photo of Naya Rivera and her son, Josey. | Photo: Instagram/nayarivera

A close up photo of Naya Rivera and her son, Josey. | Photo: Instagram/nayarivera

Five days later, on July 13, 2020, her body was recovered from the lake's surface by rescue services. An autopsy ruled her death as an accidental drowning. It is assumed that she was exhausted from trying to get her son onto the boat.

George expressed that this last year has been a blur of pain, and although life is slowly starting to come into focus, he does not think he will ever gain closure. The 33-year-old actress' father explained:

"Things are slowly coming a little more into focus, but I don't know if I'll ever find closure from this. I miss her every day."

The late Naya Rivera posed with her son. | Photo: Instagram/nayarivera

The late Naya Rivera posed with her son. | Photo: Instagram/nayarivera

Advertisement

Of course, her father is not the only person that is missing the talented performer. Her fans, friends, and "Glee" costars mourned her death and honored her in different ways.

Her ex posted a lovely message for Naya last year on what would have been her 34th birthday. He also told People that it was important to keep her memory alive while he raises their son.

Ryan Dorsey shared a Instagram post to pay tribute to Naya Rivera for her 34th birthday. | Instagram/dorseyrayn

Ryan Dorsey shared a Instagram post to pay tribute to Naya Rivera for her 34th birthday. | Instagram/dorseyrayn

The "Glee" cast honored Naya, who played Santana Lopez, a gay cheerleader on the popular musical TV series, at the GLAAD Media Awards in April last year. Cast members virtually gathered for the event.

The reunion was also to celebrate the 10th anniversary of her character coming out on the show. The character was praised by many for being a groundbreaking role model for LGBTQ+ teens and LGBTQ+ Latina teens.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

This Girl Lost Her Superstar Mom at Just 5 Months Old - Her Dad Took Her to a Small Town to Live a ‘Normal’ Life

February 14, 2024

This Boy Is the Youngest of Legendary Actor's 7 Kids - Star Fathered Him at 56 & Did Not Let Him Go to School

February 26, 2024

Jennifer Aniston & Matthew Perry’s Never-before-Seen Photo Revealed after His Death Made Fans Cry

November 16, 2023

Dean Martin’s Wife Died Only a Few Weeks after Their Second Son Was Found Dead at His Home

December 21, 2023

Sylvester Stallone's Son Ensured He Was Never Compared to Him — No One Spoke to Him in His Last Week of Life

November 30, 2023

I Worked Hard to Get My Child Back from a Shelter, but When I Got There He Was Gone – Story of the Day

February 23, 2024

Jamie Foxx, 56, Addresses His Medical Condition That Left Him Hospitalized for Weeks

March 07, 2024

‘This Is Absolutely Heartbreaking’: Matt LeBlanc’s Farewell Message for Matthew Perry Leaves Fans in Tears

November 15, 2023

Anna Nicole Smith’s Daughter Lost Decade-Long Legal Battle over Multimillion-Dollar Fortune

November 09, 2023

‘Sister Wives’ Star Janelle Brown’s Son’s Last Texts before He Was Found Dead: Details

March 07, 2024

Anna Nicole Smith's Mom Thought Her Granddaughter Might Also Pass Away – How Girl Changed over 17 Years

January 11, 2024

Farrah Fawcett’s ‘Love of Her Life’ Ryan O’Neal Was Single 14 Years after Her Death & until He Took His Last Breath at 82

December 11, 2023

Student Makes a Pass at Female Professor – Story of the Day

December 15, 2023

Donald Trump & Late Sister Maryanne Were Close before Falling Out in Years Leading to Her Death, Sources Claim

November 14, 2023