**RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Winner The Vivienne Found Dead After Taking Ketamine, Inquest Hears**
The acclaimed drag performer The Vivienne was discovered dead at their home in Cheshire earlier this year, having reportedly lain undiscovered in the bath for several days, an inquest has revealed. The coroner’s hearing, held at Warrington Coroner’s Court, was told that the 32-year-old star’s death was the result of cardio-respiratory arrest associated with the use of ketamine.
The Vivienne, whose birth name was James Lee Williams, rose to national prominence after being crowned the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK. Born in Colwyn Bay, north Wales, and a former pupil at Rydal Penrhos, they relocated to Liverpool at age 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist. The performer later adopted the stage name The Vivienne due to a fondness for Vivienne Westwood fashion.
According to testimony heard at the inquest, a neighbour discovered The Vivienne at their Chorlton-by-Backford residence on 5 January, following several days of concern after they had not been seen or heard from since the previous Friday. The court was informed by friend Bobby Musker that at their last known meeting, The Vivienne had taken ketamine, and this was later corroborated by evidence found at the scene. Police located five small ‘snap bags’ associated with drug use, in various locations around the property.
Despite this history, family members attending the inquest were keen to emphasise that Williams should not be defined by their drug use, insisting it did not encapsulate the person behind the celebrated stage persona. Indeed, the court heard that, while The Vivienne had struggled with drugs in the past and admitted as much in previous interviews, they were looking forward to future engagements on both television and in theatre at the time of their death. Friends and family stated they had no immediate concerns for the performer’s mental health, although acknowledged that ketamine was taken “occasionally”.
Senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish, closing the proceedings, ruled the death as one of misadventure. She concluded, “The medical cause of death is cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use. The conclusion, on the balance of probabilities, is that James Williams’ death was a misadventure – he took ketamine, but he did not intend to take his own life.”
Williams was well-known for both their performance abilities and their candid discussions of personal struggles. In this way, The Vivienne’s death has sparked further discussion around the pressures and risks faced by individuals in the public eye, particularly within the entertainment industry.
In an official statement, a representative of the coroner’s court shared that Williams’ family have requested the media respect the performer’s wishes regarding pronouns, opting for ‘they/them’ when referring to The Vivienne.
The performer’s passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from the LGBTQ+ community, the world of entertainment, and fans across the UK and beyond. Many have highlighted The Vivienne’s trailblazing role as a drag performer and the significant contribution they made to raising the profile of drag culture in Britain.
The incident also casts a spotlight on the ongoing issue of recreational drug use, its risks, and the importance of support structures for those in the creative arts who may be particularly vulnerable to its dangers. As the entertainment industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest stars, discussions continue about the need for greater awareness and resources surrounding addiction and mental well-being.
The Vivienne’s family and supporters have expressed hope that the performer’s life and legacy will be remembered chiefly for their talent, resilience, and the joy they brought to audiences rather than the circumstances of their death.