The family of James Lee Williams, best known as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season one winner The Vivienne, has confirmed that the beloved drag star died from a cardiac arrest caused by ketamine use. Williams, who made history as the first Drag Race UK champion in 2019, was found dead at home on January 5 at just 32 years old. An inquest into their death is ongoing and set to conclude in June. The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel Williams, said the family remains “completely devastated” but is determined to raise awareness about ketamine’s dangers. She said,
“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.”
The Vivienne’s family will collaborate with the substance abuse charity Adferiad on the upcoming Only Human campaign, which seeks to reduce addiction stigma and provide support resources. Williams was open about past struggles with addiction, discussing it on Drag Race UK and even incorporating it into their comedy routine on All Stars 7 in 2022. Tributes to The Vivienne flooded in from across the entertainment world, including from Michelle Visage, Ariana Grande, Jinkx Monsoon, and Rylan. They were posthumously honored with the Icon Award at the Metro Pride Awards, and their legacy will be further remembered in an upcoming documentary, Dear Viv, announced by Drag Race’s production company, World of Wonder.
