Drag Queen The Vivienne died from cardiac arrest caused by the effects of taking ketamine, the family has revealed.
The Vivienne, aka James Lee Williams, passed away in January. Previously the cause of death was unknown, but now the family have shared an update. The performer’s sister Chanel Williams said her family “continue to be completely devastated” by the death of the 32-year-old RuPaul’s Drag Race star. They added that they will be working with a substance abuse charity to raise awareness of the dangers of the drug.
An inquest is scheduled to take place in June, but the Cheshire Police did state that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
(Image: Getty Images)
Simon Jones, Williams’ manager and close friend, said the family felt it was important to share the circumstances of their death. He said: “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.”
Speaking for the family, Ms Williams said: “Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK.
“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.”
The Vivienne previously raised awareness for substance abuse during their stint on RuPaul’s Drag Race. The Viv, who won the first series, openly discussed how they sought help for their ketamine addiction.
Now, the family announced they would be working with the abuse charity Adferiad in hopes to continue Viv’s legacy. Ketamine, a horse tranquilliser and anaesthetic, is a licensed drug and can occasionally be prescribed. However, its use as an illegal substance is growing among young people.
(Image: PA)
Donna Chavez, a spokesperson for Adferiad, which runs a specialist detox and rehabilitation centre, said to the BBC they were “incredibly grateful” to Williams’ family for their support.
She added: “Their courage in sharing James’ story will help raise vital awareness of the devastating impact substance use can have.
“We are seeing a worrying rise in the number of people using ketamine, often unaware of the serious risks it poses to their physical and mental health.”
During a previous hearing, which reportedly lasted around two minutes, it was said that The Vivienne’s father Lee Williams identified the body. Area coroner Victoria Davies said: “Given the unnatural cause of death identified on post-mortem testing it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest into the death of James Lee Williams,” before adding that further investigation will be required.
The case was adjourned, with a full inquest set to occur on 30 June. The hearing was reportedly attended by four members of the press.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
