Drag Race Down Under's Maxi Shield has passed away
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Drag Race Down Under season one star Maxi Shield passed away on Monday at 51 years old.
An announcement of the Sydney-based queen’s passing came from friend Vanity, who posted on Instagram, “It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our dearest sister, Maxine, has passed away.”
It continued: “We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister. Thank you for the laughs, the cackles, and the magic you brought into our lives. I will cherish every second of our 30 year friendship and I'm so grateful that I was apart of your chosen family.”
“You will be forever loved and deeply missed. love you old girl.”
Although an official cause of death has yet to be released, Shield made a heartbreaking announcement last fall that she had been diagnosed with throat cancer.
Since then, the TV star documented her health journey on her social media accounts, with her latest update on January 30.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover funeral and memorial costs. In less than a day, fans raised thousands toward Shield’s send-off. At the time of writing, the fundraiser has reached over $35,500 donations.
Michelle Visage, who took over Drag Face Down Under in 2024 also paid tribute to Maxi online, writing, "I loved this queen. A glorious human on the inside and out. Your love, heart, talent and energy will be missed…. @maxishield rest in power, my angel, you were truly one of a kind."
Maxi Shield appeared on the first season of Drag Race Down Under in 2021. While she ultimately came in sixth place, she became an instant fan favorite during her run.
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