The Vivienne’s cause of death has been released by their family over two months after their tragic and sudden passing.
The RuPaul's Drag Race UK winner was found deceased in their bathroom in January. News of their death was quick to make headlines and shook the drag community to its core.
The star’s manager and friend, Simon Jones spoke on behalf of the family and revealed they passed away “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.”
Jones said the family felt it was important to share the circumstances of their death to bring attention to the risks of drug usage.
"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," he said. “Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don't think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.”
Ketamine was also the primary cause of death in the case of Friends star Matthew Perry, who died in 2023.
During their run competing on RuPaul’s Drag Race Vivienne was vocal about their ketamine addiction and advocated for awareness about substance abuse.
Now, Vivienne’s family is hoping to carry on the star’s incredible legacy by working with substance abuse charity Adferiad on a campaign aimed at opening up conversations about substance abuse and addiction.
In a statement to Attitude, The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel said: “We continue to be completely devastated by James’s sudden death.”
The 32-year-old queen was first introduced to viewers on season one of Drag Race UK. They then went on to compete on All Stars 7.
Aside from reality TV, The Vivienne appeared as The Wicked Witch of the West in the UK tour of The Wizard of Oz, and at the Gillian Lynne Theatre in London's West End
The family’s announcement comes after recently announcing an upcoming documentary about the queen that will be released later this year.
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