The Vivienne Reason for Dying: Confirmed, So Very Tragic

Studying Time: 3 minutes

We’ve 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 truth star was solely 32 years previous.

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

“James was an extremely liked, warm-hearted and wonderful individual. Their household are heartbroken on the lack of their son, brother and uncle. They’re so happy with the fantastic issues James achieved of their life and profession.”

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

However now we all know what occurred.

In an announcement to Individuals Journal on Monday, Jones mentioned his consumer died “from the results of ketamine use inflicting a cardiac arrest,” including to the outlet:

“James’s household and I really feel it is very important say how James tragically died…

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

“Ketamine utilization is on the rise, significantly amongst younger individuals, and I don’t suppose the total risks of the drug are being mentioned.”

Jones additionally mentioned there might be “a proper inquest” into The Vivienne’s dying 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 dying.

“Ketamine is an especially harmful drug that’s changing into an increasing number of prevalent within the UK.

“If we might help increase consciousness of the risks of this drug, and assist individuals who could also be coping with ketamine habit, then one thing optimistic will come from this whole tragedy.”

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

In a 2019 episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, they mentioned their four-year battle with habit, 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’ household and pals.”

The synopsis reads as follows:

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

By 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 influence on the drag group and past; making certain that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.