Naya Rivera’s ex-husband has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on their son’s behalf, per Us Weekly.
Ryan Dorsey and the former “Glee” star’s estate are suing Ventura County, United Water Conservation District and the county’s Parks and Recreation management for renting out a boat that did not adhere to safety standards of the U.S. Coast Guard.
“[The boat] was not equipped with a safely accessible ladder, adequate rope, an anchor, a radio or any security mechanisms to prevent swimmers from being separated from their boats,” the lawsuit reads. “Disturbingly, later inspection revealed that the boat was not even equipped with any flotation or lifesaving devices, in direct violation of California law, which requires that all pontoons longer than 16 feet be equipped with flotation devices.”
The suit also alleges that Lake Piru was void of any cautionary signs informing people of “the lake’s strong currents, low visibility, high winds, changing water depths, underwater caves, ledges and drop offs,” noting more than a dozen people drowned in the lake since 1959.
Dorsey and Rivera’s estate are also suing for negligent infliction of emotional distress.
On July 8, Rivera was reported missing after her son, Josey Hollis Dorsey, was found sleeping alone on a boat just hours after she rented it. The adult-sized life jacket was still onboard, and her body was discovered five days later.
According to Us, Rivera’s son told investigators that he and his mother had gone for a swim that day. She reportedly had just enough energy to get him on the boat before she disappeared “under the surface of the water” and died.
Following her death, celebrities mourned Rivera’s death. Tamera Mowry remembered her “amazing voice” and “warmth.” Tia Mowry recalled the time the late actress introduced her to an alcoholic drink that she couldn’t handle, and in Big Sean’s heartfelt tribute, he credited her for making him a “wiser and better person.”