Cops give update on ‘sudden’ death of RuPaul’s Drag Race winner ‘The Vivienne’ aged 32

British police have made a statement about the sudden death of UK RuPaul’s Drag Race star ‘The Vivienne’, as the star’s heart wrenching final social media post has been revealed.

RuPaul has broken his silence over drag queen The Vivienne, saying he is “heartbroken” after the 32-year-old’s tragic death.

James Lee Williams, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and placed third on skating competition Dancing On Ice in 2023, died at the weekend.

A spokesman for Cheshire Police said officers had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, in Northwest England, at 12.22pm on Sunday, local time, 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.”

The Vivienne, a leading drag star, has died aged 32. Picture: Getty Images

TV host and drag icon RuPaul shared a throwback photo of himself with James Lee Williams alongside a heartfelt tribute.

“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,” he wrote.

It comes as The Vivienne’s final heart wrenching Instagram post has been revealed. The drag star took to Instagram just 72 hours before their death to urge fans to donate to LGBTQ+ and HIV charity SAHIR, describing the charity’s work as “incredible”.

Encouraging others to give [$2] a month, they wrote: ‘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. [$2] a month you won’t miss it.”

News of the talented drag artist’s death was announced across social media on Sunday – with tributes pouring in for the star.

“It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend,” publicist Simon Jones wrote in a statement.

“James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person. Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle.

Tributes are flowing for the much-loved star. Picture: Getty Images

“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.”

He added: “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.”

The publicist said Williams’ career was only just beginning.

“I’m so proud and lucky that Viv was such a big part of my life every day for the last five years,” he said.

“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.”

A statement posted to the official RuPaul’s Drag Race social media pages described the performer as “an inspiration”.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humour, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration,” the statement reads.

“She will be dearly missed, but her legacy will live on as a beacon of creativity and authenticity – she embodied what it means to be a true champion. Our hearts go out to her family and fans during this difficult time.”

Drag Race judge Michelle Visage shared photos of the two together, writing, “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”

“My darling @thevivienne_ 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.

“I love you my darling. You will be so missed my lovely. May your light shine fiercely, forever. RIP MY ANGEL fly high.”

Drag Race UK vs. The World winner Tia Kofi writing: “This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally.

“She was a mentor, an inspiration and a friend. This shock will be felt deeply by us all. Love you Viv.”

The Vivienne’s series one co-stars paid tribute to the stay, with Blu Hydrangea writing: “Truly heartbroken to hear about the loss of a dear friend and sister.”

“I will love you forever Viv,” Cheryl said, and Crystal added: “I can’t believe this.”

The star went on to appear on the All Winners series of the US version, and co-star Trinity The Tuck shared: “I am devastated.”

“I’m in complete and utter shock. This is so devastating,” said Shea Coulee who also competed on the All Stars season.

The Vivienne was remembered by All Stars 7 winner Jinkx Monsoon for leaving her “mark in our hearts and on her stages”, while fellow All Stars 7 competitor Jaida Essence Hall described her as “perfect” and “such an incredible person to everyone”.

Born and raised in North Wales, Williams moved to Liverpool at age 16 and became a huge star on the drag scene, eventually winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019.

Williams’ drag queen name was inspired by iconic British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood.