Exploring RuPaul's Drag Race Tragedies Following the Passing of The Vivienne at 32 - OK! Magazine

The drag community is mourning the loss of The Vivienne, also known as James Lee Williams, who has tragically passed away at the age of 32. The Vivienne, hailing from Liverpool, was crowned the winner of the inaugural series of RuPaul's Drag Race UK in 2019, dazzling judges with their sharp wit, immense talent, and impeccable style.

Following their victory, they appeared on several TV shows such as The Weakest Link and The Great British Sewing Bee in 2021, and later competed in Drag Race All-Stars and ITV's Dancing on Ice in 2022. Their untimely death last weekend was confirmed by police to be non-suspicious.

In a touching Instagram post, Simon Jones, the star's publicist and close friend, shared: 'It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warmhearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle.'

The Vivienne's passing is a profound loss for the drag world, marking yet another young talent gone too soon from the Drag Race family. We remember The Vivienne and their unforgettable legacy.

The adored drag entertainer, famously picked their stage name to honour their love for iconic British designer Vivienne Westwood. They once shared with the BBC, 'Everyone used to call me Vivienne, as I was head to toe in Westwood. So when I started doing drag it was a natural progression. I didn't want one of those cheap, nasty, sl***y drag names so I thought of 'The Vivienne' and here she is, there's only one of them,' reports the Mirror.

In recent times, The Vivienne dazzled audiences across the UK and Ireland embodying the Wicked Witch of the West in 'The Wizard of Oz' musical, with fans enjoying regular behind-the-scenes glimpses on Instagram prior to their untimely passing.

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage expressed her sorrow calling it 'heartbreaking' and recalled their cherished camaraderie online: 'We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all.'

RuPaul Charles joined in the collective grief, stating: 'With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne - an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.'

David Ludford, The Vivienne's former husband who met James back in August 2017, shared touching words alongside treasured visuals from their time together: 'We literally clicked straight away, and we knew we (were) going to be together for a long time.'

Cherry Valentine, a contestant from Drag Race UK season two, tragically passed away at the age of 28 in September 2022. Cherry, known as George Ward out of drag, was discovered by their flatmate in North London.

The inquest into their death revealed struggles with coping with fame. Cherry, originally from Darlington, had also presented the BBC documentary 'Gypsy Queen and Proud' after their stint on Drag Race.

A qualified mental health nurse, Cherry had contributed to the NHS vaccination effort during the COVID-19 pandemic. At the inquest, assistant coroner Doctor Peter Straker concluded that the cause of death was suicide.

The family released a heartfelt statement saying: 'As his family, we are still processing his death, and our lives will never be the same. We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. We love you Georgie.'

Chi Chi, another beloved figure from RuPaul's Drag Race season eight and All-Stars season three, sadly passed away on August 20, 2020, at just 34 years old. Zavion Michael Davenport, better known as Chi Chi, had previously shared with fans in 2018 that they were diagnosed with scleroderma, an autoimmune disease.

Despite battling kidney failure, it was pneumonia that led to Chi Chi being rushed to the emergency room, where they ultimately passed away.

Following the sad news, the family took to Instagram to share: 'It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world-renowned 'Chi Chi DeVayne.'' The family revealed that plans for final arrangements were still in progress and shared his last words 'Never give up!'

Sahara Davenport, another well-known figure from the Drag Race universe, left a lasting legacy on the show.

The Texas-born queen, who placed seventh in the second American series, started a long line of Davenports to feature in future seasons. This includes Kennedy Davenport from season seven, who also appeared in the spin-off show, All-Stars.

Sahara's partner, fellow drag icon Manila Luzon, competed in the third season of US Drag Race. In 2018, Manila reflected on Sahara's passing on Facebook, saying: 'Six years ago, my boyfriend Antoine (Sahara Davenport) passed away and many of us were devastated. It was a reality check for me, reminding me how precious life is, that we aren't as invincible as we think we are, that terrible things can happen to us all! His death changed me forever.'

The star, known as Antoine Ashley, tragically died at the young age of 27 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Maryland on October 1, 2012.

Bandit, famed for slaying the competition in the second series of Drag Race Thailand and finishing in fourth place, passed away at age 38. When not owning the stage in stunning ensembles, Bandit was imparting wisdom on fashion design as a lecturer and elevating style as a personal stylist.

She died back home in December 2023, and the cause of her untimely death remains unknown. Pangina Heals, the co-host of Drag Race Thailand and contestant on UK vs the World, reflected on her legacy with Entertainment Weekly, saying: 'We're all completely lost because Bandit has been a light. He has taught me. I would not be the same person I am today without Bandit teaching me about fashion.'