Naya Rivera's Son Josey Is A 'Strong Boy' - How He's Coping One Month After His Mother's Tragic Death

It’s comforting to hear this update about Josey Hollis Dorsey, one month after his mother and beloved Glee star Naya Rivera tragically died in a drowning accident at Lake Piru in California.

As you’ll recall, on July 8, Josey was found alone in a boat the 33-year-old actress rented for the pair to enjoy before she went missing. After an extensive search and rescue mission, her body was recovered just five days later on July 13 where authorities determined she drowned while saving her child’s life.

According to a source who recently spoke with ET, while “this has been an unbelievably difficult time for her family and loved ones,” Rivera’s 4-year-old son is “doing better every day.”

Josey’s support system obviously includes his father, Ryan Dorsey, who has transitioned into a full-time parenting role. The source added Rivera’s younger sister Nickayla (pictured above, right inset) has been spending a lot more time with her nephew these days, too. Nothing can replace the loss of his mom, but all things considered, Josey is reportedly coping well and some days he seems like an ordinary happy-go-lucky kid. However, the insider shared the little boy understands that his momma is gone and he grasps the permanence of death.

Sharing more about the father-son connection that’s grown during this time, the source explained:

“Ryan’s whole world is Josey right now. Ryan is still grieving and is very much struggling with the loss of Naya, but he stays strong and keeps going for the sake of his son.”

Ryan has always been involved in his son’s life, but now, in Naya’s absence, he’s stepped up even more to make sure Josey feels supported in every way imaginable:

“Ryan would do anything for Josey. Right now, he’s really laying low and staying out of the public eye so he can completely focus on Josey and try to figure out how to navigate this new normal.”

Josey Dorsey has been spending more time with his dad Ryan after Naya Rivera's death. — Josey’s loved ones want to protect and support him now, more than ever. / (c) Ryan Dorsey/Instagram

According to the source, the entire family has been involved in making sure Josey has good memories of his late mother and that she remains a big part of his life; they talk openly about her every day and answer all of the grieving boy’s questions. While there have understandably been some really tough days throughout this healing process, the insider noted:

“Josey is a very strong boy and Naya would be very proud of him.”

Ugh. So, so sad.

As we reported, Rivera was laid to rest in a small, private funeral at the star-studded Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles on July 24, attended by family members, close friends, and a few of Naya’s Glee co-stars. We continue to send love and light to all those who knew and loved her, but especially her precious boy Josey as he learns to navigate life without his mother.

[Image via Fayes Vision/WENN/Nickayla/Rivera/Instagram.]