RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne passed awayy unexpecedly at the weekend, and in a new update police have confirmed their sad death is not being treated as ‘suspicious’
There was widespread shock when it was confirmed that drag star The Vivienne – real name, James Lee Williams – died suddenly at the weekend, aged 32.
And as tributes continue to pour in for the Ru Paul’s Drag Race UK star, police have issued a new update in which they confirmed their tragic death is not being treated as ‘suspicious’.
A spokesman for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday following reports of a sudden death.
The spokesman said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
It was the former Dancing On Ice star’s publicist Simon Jones who shared the sad news of their death in a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter. He wrote: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.
“James was an incredibly loved, warm- hearted and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
In a subsequent post, the entertainment PR confessed he was “proud” of The Vivienne and opening up on their close relationship, went on: “These are words I never ever wanted to write. Viv was a close friend, a client and someone I loved very much. From the moment I met them in 2019 I knew we could create magic together and I became their manager. Their talent was immense and the light they brought to every room was astonishing. No one has ever made me laugh in my life as much as Viv did. Their comic genius and quick wit was like no other.
“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last 5 years. It’s tragic that their career was only just beginning. In musical theatre Viv had found a space and career they loved, excelled and thrived in. I am heartbroken and devastated at this news. RIP my wonderful friend. You left us way too soon.”
The last time the much-loved performer was seen in public was just a week before their death in Blackpool, where they were starring as The Childcatcher in a tour of West End musical, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as The Childcatcher.
A few days previous to that, The Vivienne had shared an impassioned post on Instagram, asking their followers to donate to Liverpool-based LGBTQ+ and HIV charity, SAHIR, alongside the caption: “Join me in giving back this year, everything I do charitable wise is usually for @sahirhouse house, Liverpools oldest LGBT+ charity!!! The work they do is incredible, thank you. £1 a month you won’t miss it.”
Stars including Craig Revel Horwood, Michelle Visage and Ariana Grande have paid tribute to the late star. The Vivienne’s I’m A Celebrity friend, radio DJ Dean McCullough, wrote: “I’m lost for words. Check in on your mates. Tell your people you love them. The sky is a lot more sparkly tonight with our Viv up there. I’ll miss you girl. Love you.”
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