The family of RuPaul’s Drag Race winner James Lee Williams, known publicly as The Vivienne, has revealed the performer’s cause of death.
The beloved drag queen passed away at the age of 32 back in January. Now, Williams’ family has revealed publicly that their cause of death was cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine.
Speaking to the BBC, Williams’ manager Simon Jones said the family felt it was important to share the circumstances of The Vivienne’s death with the public.
“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.
Williams’ sister, Chanel Williams, said that while the family still “continues to be completely devastated” by her sibling’s death, she hopes some good can come out of using it to raise awareness.
“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,” she said.
Before their death, The Vivienne was applauded for speaking openly about substance abuse during their time on season one of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
Ketamine is a horse tranquiliser and dissociative anaesthetic. Although it is a licensed drug used by medical professionals, it also is used recreationally.
“Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,” Chanel Williams said.
While Williams was UK-based, according to The Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing‘s 2022-2023 National Drug Household Survey, there has been a significant increase in the use of ketamine in Australia with usage reaching an all-time high in 2023.
The Vivienne was found dead in their home on January 5. Their family remember them as a bright light who “brought sparkle to life” and will be missed “for eternity”.
According to Deadline, the Drag Race team are currently working on a documentary about her life entitled Dear Viv.
