This Boy Lost His Famous Mother at Just 4 Years Old & Now He 'Looks So Much Like' Her – Their Story & Photos

A young boy lost his famous mother in a tragic accident when he was just four years old. Now nine, he is growing up under his father's care, following in his mother's footsteps, and astonishing fans with how much he looks like her.

On a summer afternoon in 2020, a father was running errands when his phone rang with life-changing news. His ex-wife had gone missing while on an outing with their young son, who had been found alone, asleep on a drifting boat. Search teams began scouring the lake, using helicopters, divers, and sonar equipment.

Days later, authorities made a heartbreaking discovery. The boy, only four years old, had witnessed his mother's final moments, and his account of what happened shed light on the tragedy. Though he was too young to fully understand, he would carry those memories with him growing up.

His Parents' Relationship: How His Family Came to Be

Long before tragedy struck, the boy's parents shared a connection that spanned years. His mother, a rising star in Hollywood, first met his father, an actor, in 2010. Though their relationship was not always steady, they remained in each other's lives.

In 2014, after his mother ended an engagement with another man, she and his father reconnected. Three months later, they married in a private ceremony in Mexico, with only close family present. The following year, on September 17, they welcomed their son.

From the moment he was born, he became the center of his mother's world. She often spoke about the deep love she had for him, once saying she would look at pictures of him after he went to bed and nearly be brought to tears.

She cherished every moment with him, from playful outings to quiet evenings at home. Even after she and his father divorced in 2018, they remained committed to co-parenting. She made sure that he was always her top priority.

Beyond being a mother, she wanted to create something meaningful for him. In 2018, she launched a gender-neutral kids' lifestyle brand, inspired entirely by her little boy.

"[My son] inspires me in so many ways that it felt natural to want to create this for him and I," said the actress. "Starting this company from the ground up is something I'm [...] proud of. I know that my son is proud of it too. It's a sweet bond that we share."

A Tragic Day: What Happened at the Lake?

In the years that followed, she remained focused on raising her son while balancing her career. On July 8, 2020, she took him on a boat trip to Lake Piru in California. She rented a pontoon boat for the afternoon, and the two set out on the water together.

The lake, known for its strong currents, had no lifeguards on duty, and the boat was not equipped with an anchor or flotation devices. At some point, they decided to go for a swim. As the afternoon went on, the winds picked up, and the boat began drifting.

Realizing the danger, she helped her son back onto the boat first. However, she was unable to pull herself out of the water. Her son later recalled seeing her raise her arm and call his name before she disappeared beneath the surface.

Hours later, the boat was found drifting with the boy alone on board, still wearing his life vest. His mother was nowhere in sight, and a search operation was launched immediately. Helicopters, divers, and sonar equipment were deployed to scan the lake, but the murky waters made visibility difficult.

Meanwhile, his father was in a grocery store when he received a call about the situation. Overcome with fear, he abandoned his cart and rushed to the lake, driving over 100 miles per hour with his hazard lights on. For five days, the search continued for his mother while the rest of the family and the public held onto hope.

On July 13, 2020, authorities recovered her body in an area of the lake that was about 30 feet deep. The sheriff's department stated that she likely used her last strength to save her son before she drowned. An autopsy later confirmed that her death was accidental, with no drugs or alcohol playing a role.

In the days that followed, her ex-husband struggled to comprehend what had happened. A source revealed that he had barely slept and had a hard time coping with the situation, saying, "Although he wasn't with [her], it's [his son's] mom. [He son] needs his mom."

Another source added, "[He] can't imagine raising [his son] without [her]. It's the most devastating situation." One day before the body was found, the boy's father was seen at Lake Piru, waiting anxiously alongside her family.

After her passing, he focused entirely on caring for their son, ensuring he was surrounded by love and support.

Coping with Loss: How the Boy Remembers His Mother

In the months following the tragedy, his father struggled to adjust. His mother's family also stepped in to help, with her sister moving in to support him during the difficult transition. Though he was young, he continued to recall details from that day and often spoke about what had happened.

As he grew older, he shared that he had tried to throw his mother a rope while she was in the water but was too afraid because a spider was on it. He also remembered how she had reassured him before they went swimming, telling him, "Don't be silly!" when he hesitated to jump in.

His father repeatedly reassured him that there was nothing he could have done to change the outcome. Though he has been without his mother for over four years, the memories of her have remained a significant part of his life.

Following in His Mother's Footsteps

As he continues to grow, glimpses of his mother's influence can be seen in his interests. In 2021, a video showed him singing along to Michael Jackson's "Man in the Mirror." Holding a microphone, he followed the lyrics on the screen and even confidently attempted the song's key change.

In addition to music, he has developed a love for sports. In 2023, his father posted a video of him dribbling and running on a basketball court, sharing that it was his son's first year playing basketball. By the end of the season, his team, the Mountaineers, won the championship.

His father praised his dedication, writing, "For his first year playing, he's come a long way in a few months. 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."

He also reached a major academic milestone in 2022 when he graduated from kindergarten. His father proudly shared photos from the special day, showing him dressed up in a bow tie, suspenders, and a gray blazer.

"Can't believe it but it's officially ✌️ out Kindergarten !!!!" his father captioned the post. "My baby boy is really a big boy now on his way to 1st grade?! I love you so much and you make me so proud to be your Dad!" His father has continuously supported his interests, celebrating his milestones and encouraging him.

Moving Forward: Life After Loss

Nearly five years after the tragedy, Josey Hollis Dorsey, now nine, continues to grow up surrounded by love and support. In an effort to provide him with a more stable environment, his father, Ryan Dorsey, moved them from Los Angeles to West Virginia.

Though life has moved forward, certain moments still bring back the weight of their loss. Ryan shared that during the holidays, he became emotional while looking at a memory book they had made together.

"You can only give him a hug and tell him, 'I know, life is not fair. Bad things happen, and there's no reason for it, and you just have to do your best to be a good person,'" his father shared.

At around seven years, he began to ask more questions and process what happened. Ryan revealed that as he reaches new milestones, he becomes more aware of his unique situation. "Kids talk about their moms at school, and dealing with his situation is very unique," he explained.

Though his father cannot always provide answers, he makes sure Josey knows he is not alone. "He'll make statements like, 'I wish this didn't happen' or 'Why did this have to happen?' and I just give him a good squeeze,[..] and tell him I love him," Ryan shared.

In November 2020, Ryan filed a wrongful-death lawsuit on Josey's behalf against Ventura County, claiming that his mother's death was preventable. The lawsuit alleged that the boat lacked essential safety features which could have prevented it from drifting.

In 2022, the case was settled, ensuring that Josey would receive compensation for the loss of his mother. "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 family's attorney stated.

His late mother, Naya Rivera, was best known for her role as Santana Lopez on "Glee." Since her passing, fans have continued to follow her son’s journey, often commenting on how much he looks like her.

"Wow! Looks so much like Naya! The lips and eyes. I see both too but sometimes ALL Naya. Great job dad ❤️," one person wrote in one of Ryan's recent posts. Another added, "Josey looks so much like his mom💜" with another writing, "He looks so much like Naya 😍."

Others reflected on how much he had grown, with one fan saying, "He's all grown up! ❤️" One person shared a heartfelt message, "He looks so like Naya, Naya would be so proud of him. She's looking down on him every day."

Though Josey's life took an unexpected turn at a young age, he continues to grow and thrive with his father by his side. His family remains committed to honoring his mother's memory while ensuring he has a bright future ahead.