‘Drag Race’ star The Vivienne died from cardiac arrest caused by ketamine, family says
Mar 18, 2025
The family of drag queen The Vivienne has gone public with the late performer’s cause of death.
Sister Chanel Williams said family members “continue to be completely devastated” by the passing of her sibling, born James Lee Williams, who was found dead in the bathroom at their home in England
back in January.
The Vivienne, the season 1 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK,” was 32 years old.
The Vivienne attends RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars 7 Saks Fifth Avenue window display Ruveal and red carpet at Saks Fifth Avenue on May 11, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for VH1/Paramount +)
“It was from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest,” the performer’s manager, Simon Jones, confirmed to People. He said there will be “a formal inquest” into The Vivienne’s death in June.
“I hope that by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do your body,” Jones added. “Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.”
While competing on the wildly popular reality series, The Vivienne was championed for being open about their addiction to ketamine. While the dissociative anesthetic can be described medically, its illegal use has been detected in a growing number of overdose deaths.
The Williams family said they plan to team up with UK-based mental health and addiction charity Adferiad on a campaign aimed at encouraging conversations around substance abuse.
“We hope that by working with Adferiad we can raise vital awareness and give information on how to get help if you are struggling with ketamine usage,” they said in a statement.
The Vivienne, whose stage name was inspired by legendary English fashion designer Vivienne Westwood, took home the grand prize on the first season of the U.K. edition of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” in 2019.
A beloved fan favorite, the Welsh performer also competed on season 7 of “RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars” and made their West End debut in “The Wizard of Oz” musical last year. ...read more read less
