The Vivienne Reason for Dying: Confirmed, So Very Tragic

Studying Time: 3 minutes

We now have an replace on the tragic passing of The Vivienne.

As beforehand reported, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 1 — who additionally appeared on RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 7 — died in January.

The performer was born as James Lee Williams in Colwyn Bay, Wales.

The fact star was solely 32 years previous.

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” The Vivienne’s supervisor, Simon Jones, wrote in an announcement again then.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.”

On the time, the general public was unaware of The Vivienne’s explanation for loss of life.

However now we all know what occurred.

In an announcement to Individuals Journal on Monday, Jones stated his shopper died “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest,” including to the outlet:

“James’s household and I really feel you will need to say how James tragically died…

“I hope that by us releasing this info we will elevate consciousness concerning the risks of ongoing ketamine utilization and what it will possibly do your physique.

“Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.”

Jones additionally stated there will probably be “a formal inquest” into The Vivienne’s loss of life in June.

The drag queen’s sister, Chanel Williams, added in a assertion to Perspective:

“We proceed to be fully devastated by James’s sudden loss of life.

“Ketamine is a particularly harmful drug that’s changing into increasingly prevalent within the UK.

“If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug, and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.”

All through their profession, James was open about their previous struggles with drug dependancy, particularly when it got here to ketamine.

In a 2019 episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they mentioned their four-year battle with dependancy, attributing it partly to the demanding way of life of a drag entertainer.

This up to date announcement comes after World of Marvel, the media firm behind the Drag Race franchise, introduced a brand new documentary, Pricey Viv, is now in manufacturing with “the blessing of James’ family and friends.”

The synopsis reads as follows:

The heartfelt documentary, made by, and that includes people who knew and cherished them, will element the life and legacy of The Vivienne and pay tribute to the beloved drag celebrity who left an indelible mark on the world earlier than their passing in January 2025.

By means of a compelling mix of archival footage, intimate interviews with family members together with Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli & Danny Beard, and deeply private letters from followers, the movie sensitively traces James’s journey from humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.

Showcasing their unbreakable spirit, quickfire and hilarious wit and plain expertise that got here to outline them, the documentary goals to be greater than only a celebration of a blinding profession, but in addition to honour their profound affect on the drag neighborhood and past; making certain that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.