Drag star The Vivienne’s family reveal they died from cardiac arrest after taking ketamine
Warning: This article contains discussion of drug addiction which some readers may find distressing.
Drag star The Vivienne's family have revealed that they died from cardiac arrest after taking ketamine.
Simon Jones, the performer's manager and close friend, has since revealed that the family felt it was important to share the circumstances of their death.
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As per BBC News, he said: "I hope by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body."
The Vivienne's sister, Chanel Williams, said her family 'continue to be completely devastated' by the death of the 32-year-old star.
The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, sky-rocketed to stardom back in 2019 after being cast on the first ever season of RuPaul's Drag Race UK.
Following a knock-out finale - starring Baga Chipz and Divina de Campo - The Vivienne was crowned the winner and was the only UK star that took part in the All Stars version of the show in 2022.
During their time on the TV show, The Vivienne also opened up on her history with substance abuse, serving as an inspiration to any viewer hoping to leave a dark past behind them and start anew.
In the years since Drag Race, they also became the first ever drag queen cast on ITV competition series Dancing on Ice, and played the 'Wicked Witch of the West' in the revival of The Wizard of Oz musical.
Announcing The Vivienne's death in January, Jones said in a statement: "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, 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."
Jones added that that no 'further details' surrounding the TV star's death would be released at the time, so as to ensure their 'family are given the time and privacy to process and grieve'.
The beloved drag star was found dead at their home in Cheshire in January with an inquest now scheduled to take place in June.
Cheshire Police have said there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the performer's death.
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Topics: Celebrity, The Vivienne, UK News
Rhiannon Ingle