RuPaul’s Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente recently died after her leg was amputated – Daily Star is remembering all the contestants who have lost their lives and battled health problems
A number of RuPaul’s Drag Race stars have sadly died since the show began.
Many franchise icons including The Vivienne and Chi Chi DeVayne have unfortunately passed away since they appeared on their respective series.
Other queens have battled health issues including cancer, auto-immune diseases and cancer, with two well-known stars even getting caught in a multi-car pileup that killed one person.
In light of Jiggly Caliente’s recent passing, Daily Star is looking back on the Drag Race queens that are no longer with us and also the ones who have struggled with their health.
Jiggly Caliente
Jiggly Caliente’s death was announced on 27 April 2024 following “the loss of most of her right leg” due to a “severe infection”. Jiggly, real name Bianca Castro, underwent an amputation on her leg but sadly died just days later aged 44.
Bianca’s family released a statement announcing that she “passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family and close friends.”
“A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity.”
The Vivienne
Drag Race UK’s first ever winner The Vivienne, real name James Lee Williams, died in January 2025. They were just 32-years-old when they passed from a cardiac arrest caused by the use of ketamine.
Williams had previously opened up about their struggle with addiction and supported the Armistead Centre’s rehabilitation, a gesture which was reflected by their family who have promised to work with Adferiad, a substance abuse charity.
RuPaul took to Instagram to say: “With a broken heart, I join the entire Drag Race universe in mourning the loss of The Vivienne, an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
Morphine Love Dion and Kaos
Drag Race rans were shocked to hear that Morphine Love Dion and Kaos were involved in a car crash that left one person dead last year. In July 2024, Michelle Orozco and Jesilo Bernard were in a multi-car pileup while in an Uber.
Unfortunately six people were sent to hospital and one person lost their life. A statement was released on Dion’s social media at the time: “She suffered multiple injuries but is grateful to be alive.”
Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers. Some space and time is appreciated as she focuses on healing.”
Fans will be happy to hear that the queens are performing once again after recovering from their injuries.
Chi Chi DeVayne
The beloved Chi Chi DeVayne, real name Zavion Michael Daven, was diagnosed with scleroderma back in 2018. The autoimmune disease impacts the skin, muscles and blood vessels meaning sadly Chi Chi lost the ability to dance as she once did.
Her health struggles continued while battling kidney failure. The Drag Race star contracted pneumonia and died aged just 34 back in 2020.
RuPaul told Us Weekly that he was “heartbroken” at the news and was “so grateful he got to experience her kind and beautiful soul”.
Bandit
Drag Race Thailand star Bandit died in December 2023, but the cause of death was never revealed to the public. The show’s host Pangina Heals released a statement and said: “We’re all completely lost because Bandit has been a light.”
“He has taught me. I would not be the same person I am today without Bandit teaching me about fashion.”
Cynthia Lee Fontaine
Cynthia Lee Fontaine first appeared on Drag Race in season eight, but the queen was diagnosed with stage one liver cancer a mere two weeks after filming wrapped. Cynthia had four rounds of chemotherapy and went into remission before returning to the show for season nine.
The contestant told Hey Qween: “How happy I am to be in recovery and healthier than ever. [I’m] still entertaining and sharing my ‘Cucu’ everywhere.”
Sahara Davenport
Sahara Davenport, real name Antoine Ashley, died in 2012 leaving Drag Race fans speechless. The queen was just 27-year-old and passed two years after finding fame on the show.
At the time RuPaul said: “Shocked and heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we’d ever lose one of our girls. I see them as immortal.”
Cherry Valentine
Cherry Valentine was the first queen of Romani heritage to appear on any Drag Race show, later working on the BBC documentary Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud.
The gut-wrenching news of Cherry’s death was announced in September 2022 and it was revealed that the former contestant had died by suicide.
Drag Race UK released a statement: “We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away. She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply.”
For emotional support you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
