James Lee Williams, widely known as drag star The Vivienne, died from a cardiac arrest caused by the effects of ketamine, their family has confirmed.
The 32-year-old performer’s sister, Chanel Williams, expressed the family’s continued devastation and announced their commitment to working with a substance abuse charity to raise awareness of the drug’s dangers.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner was found dead at their home in Cheshire in January, prompting an outpouring of tributes from fans and celebrities worldwide.
An inquest into their death is scheduled for June, though Cheshire Police have ruled out any suspicious circumstances.
Williams’ manager and close friend, Simon Jones, emphasized the importance of sharing the cause of death to educate others about the risks of ketamine use.
He hopes the disclosure will encourage conversations about substance abuse and its impact on the body.
Originally from Colwyn Bay in north Wales, Williams rose to fame after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, later becoming the only UK queen to compete on Drag Race All Stars in the United States.
Their career spanned television and theatre, making them a beloved figure in the drag community.
Following their passing, an emotional vigil was held in Liverpool, where their family described them as someone who “brought the sparkle to life” and will be missed “for eternity.”
The Vivienne had openly discussed past struggles with ketamine addiction while competing on Drag Race UK, using their platform to highlight the dangers of substance abuse.
In their honor, the Williams family is collaborating with the charity Adferiad to continue their advocacy, focusing on raising awareness and supporting those battling addiction.
Ms. Williams stressed the growing threat of ketamine use in the UK, particularly among young people.
Statistics from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System show a sharp rise in under-18s seeking treatment for ketamine-related issues, increasing from 335 cases in 2020-21 to 917 in 2023-24.
Donna Chavez, a spokesperson for Adferiad, commended the Williams family for their courage in sharing James’ story, emphasizing the urgent need to address ketamine’s rising prevalence.
She warned that many users remain unaware of the drug’s serious risks, which can have devastating consequences for both physical and mental health.
By speaking out, The Vivienne’s family hopes to prevent further tragedies and ensure that their legacy includes meaningful change in the fight against substance abuse.
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