STAR TRAGEDY
RuPaul’s Drag Race winner The Vivienne found dead in bathroom after ‘unnatural’ death aged just 32, inquest told
Tributes flooded in for tragic star from world of showbiz
THE Vivienne was found dead in their bathroom after suffering an “unnatural” death, an inquest heard.
James Lee Williams, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, was discovered at home near Chester on January 5.
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The Vivienne was found dead on January 5Credit: PA
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Tributes flooded in for the star
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The Vivienne won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UKCredit: Getty
An inquest heard today how a post mortem identified an “unnatural” cause of death but further tests are needed.
Cheshire Coroner’s Court was told Williams was identified by their father, Lee Williams.
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.”
She added that further investigations are required.
Read more on the tragedy
Cheshire Police previously confirmed Williams’ death was not being treated as suspicious.
The tragedy was announced by publicist Simon Jones, who paid tribute to the “incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person”.
He added that Williams would be remembered for their “immense talent” and “the light they brought to every room was astonishing”.
Simon added: “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.”
Dancing on Ice’s Holly Willoughby pays touching tribute to The Vivienne following tragic death as new series begins
Williams won the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which aired in 2019.
They went on to compete in an all-winners season of the franchise in the US in 2022 – the only Brit to do so.
Williams also starred on BBC Three show The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood in 2020 and appeared on Channel 4‘s Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer in 2022.
In 2023, Williams came third place on Dancing on Ice – with judge Oti Mabuse leading tributes to the “phenomenal entertainer” and “trailblazer”.
Presenter Holly Willoughby also shared her heartache at the start of last month’s new series.
She said: “Before we move on, like us, many of you will have been saddened by the tragic news of The Vivienne’s passing last weekend.
“Now they were a huge part of our show, making it all the way to the final in 2023.
“They’ll be very sorely missed and our thoughts are with The Vivienne’s loved ones at this time. So sad.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage also paid tribute to Williams, writing that their death was “heartbreaking”.
Alongside pictures of them together, Visage wrote on Instagram: “We go back to when I started coming over here to the UK.
“You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point.
“Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all. You were a beacon to so many.
“Seeing you make your West End debut was amazing for me to witness your dream come true right in front of my eyes.
“I’m the lucky one to have known you and to have laughed together with you so many times.”
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Police confirmed they were not treating the star’s death as suspiciousCredit: Getty
Williams was born in Wales but moved to Liverpool as a teenager to launch a career as a make up artist.
They met husband David Ludford after moving to Gran Canaria in 2017.
The couple announced their separation in April 2023.
David paid tribute following the tragedy, saying: “My heart literally sank when I got the call.
“Never in a million years did I ever think I’d ever be writing anything like this about James Lee Williams.
“This man changed my life so much from the day we first met in August 2017 in Gran Canaria! We literally clicked straight away and we knew we was going to be together for along time!
“He made me feel love and shown me what it was really like to love someone.
“You will always have a place in my heart. Going to miss you more than people will ever know. Sleep tight angel.”
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The Vivienne finished third place on Dancing on Ice
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They also appeared on Celebrity Hunted, Emmerdale and Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night TakeawayCredit: PA
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Ex-husband David previously paid tributeCredit: instagram/d.ludford
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