Ryan Dorsey, the ex-husband of late Glee star Naya Rivera, has shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, describing a 'hole left in everyone's hearts' following her death. Rivera, 33, died from accidental drowning earlier this month, as confirmed by California officials after a post-mortem examination.
Rivera was best known for playing cheerleader Santana Lopez on the US musical comedy-drama Glee. She went missing during a boat trip with her four-year-old son Josey at Lake Piru. The child was found asleep on the boat and later told police they had been swimming but his mother never returned.
Dorsey, who was married to Rivera from 2014 to 2018, wrote: 'This is so unfair... there's not enough words to express the hole left in everyone's hearts. I can't believe this is life now. I don't know if I'll ever believe it. You were just here... We were just in the back swimming with Josey the day before. Life just isn't fair.'
He added: 'I'm thankful for our times and our journey that brought us together and gave us the sweetest and kindest smart little boy we could ever hope for. Life is all about good times and bad times but with Josey it makes the bad a little less so because a part of you will always be with us. He'll never forget where he came from.'
Rivera's sister Nickayla also paid tribute on Instagram, saying she would miss her 'every second of my life'. She wrote: 'There are no words to describe my love for you... I've never known a life without you in it & still can't imagine it. My world is turned upside down.'
Fellow Glee stars also expressed their grief. Kevin McHale said: 'She was so independent and strong and the idea of her not being here is something I cannot comprehend.' Jane Lynch added: 'Rest sweet, Naya. What a force you were. Love and peace to your family.'
