Naya Rivera’s Family Settles Wrongful Death Lawsuit Nearly 2 Years After Glee Star’s Death
Nearly two years after the tragic death of Naya Rivera, the late actress’ family has settled a wrongful death lawsuit filed against Ventura County.
Ryan Dorsey first filed the lawsuit on behalf of his and Rivera’s 6-year-old son, Josey against the Ventura County, California, United Water Conservation District, Ventura County’s Parks and Recreation Management in November 2020 for “wrongful death and negligent infliction of emotional distress.” Josey was 4 when Rivera drowned at Lake Piru during their mother-son outing in July 2020.
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In the initial complaint, the family claimed the boat rented by the ‘Glee’ star was not equipped with flotation or lifesaving devices. However, in their response, Ventura County officials claimed the death wasn’t their fault, considering the actress decided on her own not to wear a life jacket. At the time, they claimed the actress was “offered a life vest” but she “declined to wear,” the Blast reports. According to the latest update on this lawsuit, the family was able to settle and is “very pleased” with the settlement which is subject to approval by the Ventura Superior Court on March 16: “Through this settlement, Josey will receive just compensation for having to endure the drowning of his beloved mother at Lake Piru,” the Rivera family’s lawyer, Amjad M. Khan, said in a statement on Monday, February 28. “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.”
As we previously reported, Rivera was reported missing on July 8, 2020, after she took her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, on a boat ride at Lake Piru in California. Her body was discovered five days later and and autopsy ruled the cause of death as an accidental drowning.
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