RuPaul’s Drag Race contestants who sadly died far too young

After appearing on season eight and “All-Stars 3,” “Drag Race” legend Chi Chi DeVayne sadly passed away in 2020 at the age of 34. The Louisiana native was known for her quick wit and quirky confidence, but when the cameras were off, the untold truth about the fan-favorite contestant unfolded. The outstanding star had been hospitalized in July 2020 due to high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure. Just a week before their deaths, DeVayne (whose real name was Zavion Michael Davenport) shared a video on social media from a hospital bed connected to machines. Queen’s family shared a statement announcing DeVayne’s passing a week later. “His last words to his family and friends (were) ‘Never give up!'” the statement read in one Instagram posts.

Many fans and other queens mourned the untimely loss and praised the dancing diva’s talent and humanity. “Chi Chi Devayne was such a light during her season and beyond,” wrote “Drag Race UK” star Cheryl X. “She always showed how being humble, honest and your true authentic self will get you far! She was a TRUE STAR and her legacy will live on forever.” Host RuPaul Charles even shared a heartbroken reaction. “I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul,” the Emmy-winning host shared in a statement with EW. “She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine upon us all.”

After stealing hearts in season four and “All-Stars 6,” “Drag Race” standout Jiggly Caliente (aka Bianca Castro-Arabejo) continued her rise to superstardom as a judge on “Drag Race Philippines.” One of the original stars of the show’s early years, she endeared herself to the hearts of many both on stage and off. But the truth about Jiggly Caliente showed a far more serious side of the star. She reportedly suffered a severe infection in 2025 which led to her leg being amputated. Three days later, she died at the age of 44. “Her legacy is one of life, courage and light,” her family wrote in a statement shared with the star’s Instagram. “Although her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.”

It wasn’t just her family who shared their deep love for the star. Many fans and her fellow “Drag Race” contestants praised the star’s talent and heart. “Rest well my good time girl,” season six winner Bianca Del Rio chimed in X. “Thank you for 20 years of laughter and friendship.” Even “Drag Race” judge Michelle Visage shared special memories from her time with the star. “The laughter was endless, our conversations were special, your energy was contagious,” she shared in one Instagram posts. “You were and remain so much loved. This world has lost an angel and we want you to soar high…..I love you so much baby.”

One of the most beloved queens in “Drag Race herstory,” The Vivienne (whose real name was James Lee Williams) was a major personality who made international waves. The first winner of “Drag Race UK” and an “All-Stars 7” contestant, The Vivienne became a superstar in her own right thanks to her sassy personality. “As long as you do your job and give people a good time, we have nothing to worry about, right?” she laughed once more Billboard.

In 2025, the 32-year-old star was found dead in a bathtub at his home in Chorlton-by-Backford, CheshireEngland. No one had heard from the entertainer for two days before they were found. According to The Guardianit was reported that she went into cardiac and respiratory arrest after taking ketamine. This marked a relapse for the star, who had overcome addiction earlier in life. Sharing the news of her death, her family spoke out to remove the stigma behind drug use. “Had I asked the questions or just looked for the signs, would the outcome be different?” the star’s sister Chanel Williams shared BBC.

Friends and fans alike mourned the great loss. “She has left her mark in our hearts and on her stages,” Season 5 and “All Stars 7” winner Jinkx Monsoon shared to X. “It’s too early for a curtain call, but I know it’s a standing ovation.” World of Wonder, the production company behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” even produced a special documentary tribute to the star called “Dear Viv.”

At just 27 years old, “Drag Race” S2 contestant Sahara Davenport – also known as Antoine Ashley – died of heart failure. One of the earliest stars of the long-running series, Davenport was known for her bubbly spirit and dancing diva ways. Although she did not win the competition, she was loved by fans and fellow contestants alike. Following her passing, her partner at the time – Season 3 standout and multi-season contestant Manila Luzon – released a heartfelt statement mourning the great loss. “His heart is what made us all fall in love with him,” Luzon shared The Hollywood Reporter. “To me he will always be my best friend, my hero, my Diva and I have always considered myself more than lucky to have him forever in my life.”

Not much was made public about the circumstances surrounding Davenport’s death, but her legacy actually lives on through her drag family, who appeared in later seasons of the show. Her drag sister, Kennedy Davenport, appeared in both Season 7 and subsequent “All-Stars” seasons, and her drag niece, Honey Davenport, competed in Season 11. “Representing the Davenport family and carrying on my sister’s legacy means so much to me, and I’m honored to do it!” Kennedy Davenport once said Lawyer.

“Drag Race Down Under” star Maxi Shield, aka Kristopher Elliott, was upfront with fans and the world when she was diagnosed with throat cancer. She chronicled her diagnosis and treatment on her Instagram page, sharing her struggles and positive attitude for all to see. In her last post before her death at the age of 51 in early 2026, she spoke candidly about the struggles she endured on her journey. “It’s probably the worst I’ve felt about this whole experience,” she shared in one Instagram posts. “But every day I feel a little better. Seeing a little light at the end of the tunnel has really lifted my spirits.”

Her “Down Under” sisters and “Drag Race” fans from around the world spoke highly of the star even after her time on earth was over. Some of her closest friends were fellow drag icons, and the love they shared for their longtime sister was deep. “Thank you for the laughs, giggles and magic you brought into our lives,” drag wig stylist Vanity shared Instagram. “I will cherish every second of our 30-year friendship and I am so thankful that I was apart of your chosen family.”

After competing on “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” series two, Cherry Valentine (aka George Ward) continued to struggle with personal demons. In September 2022, the then 28-year-old took her own life and was discovered in her north London flat by her friend and roommate, identified only as Katie. After suffering from depression, those close to Valentine said that life after “Drag Race” was not easy for the star. “(Katie) stated that he appeared normal, but recently noted that he had been sleeping late and getting up late,” a postmortem report states (per BBC). “(The friends) regularly talked about their fights, but (Katie) thought Ward’s extravagant behavior was a mask.”

Despite her personal struggles, the entertainer had previously been a qualified mental health nurse and even helped administer vaccinations during the COVID pandemic. This role was something the star valued as much as his performing persona. “I think it put me in the right position to understand people a little bit more, and if you’re a drag queen, you work with people and you don’t understand people, I think you go the extra mile,” Valentine shared in a “Meet the Queens” video.

Before his passing, he rekindled his relationship with his family after being rejected when he came out. “We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched,” his family said in a statement (as of People). “All we ask for is your patience and your prayers (at) this time.”

In 2023, “Drag Race Thailand” performer Bandit was reported dead at the age of 38. While details surrounding the star’s death were not revealed, fans and friends in their home country and around the world were nonetheless devastated. “We are all completely lost because Bandit has been a light,” “Drag Race Thailand” co-host and “UK vs. the World” contestant Pangina Heals shared EW. “… I wouldn’t be the same person I am today without Bandit teaching me about fashion.”

Heals also remembered his colleague as a visionary and praised their penchant for motivating others. “He’s always telling other people, ‘You can do this,’ or, ‘Do it to get better,’ in terms of making sure other people have their fashion game on,” she told the outlet. Other friends and former competitors like Kana Warrior also shared their memories and condolences despite the lack of information about the loss. “I respect everything, respect you and your decision,” she wrote on her Instagram story (per OUT).

Around the world, the shining memory of the star will continue to be missed. “Bandit was a light in her community and internationally and she will be so missed,” shared the production company World of Wonder Instagram. “Our thoughts go out to her family and friends.”