New Details Emerge On The Vivienne’s Cause Of Death

The cause of “RuPaul’s Drag Race UK” star The Vivienne‘s death has been revealed two months after their passing.

The Vivienne’s death was announced on January 5, and multiple tributes followed with many expressing shock at their demise.

The late television personality won the first series of ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’ in 2019.

On Monday, Simon Jones, the manager of the late drag queen, revealed the cause of their death via a statement to PEOPLE Magazine.

Jones said The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.”

The statement continued, “James’s family and I feel it is important to say how James tragically died. It was from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.”

Jones also said “a formal inquest” into The Vivienne’s death will take place in June.

He continued, “I hope that by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body.

Jones added, “Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.”

In addition to revealing the cause of The Vivienne’s death, Jones also announced a partnership with Adferiad, a charity based in the United Kingdom.

According to their website, Adferiad “campaigns for and provides services to people affected by mental ill health, drug or alcohol use, gambling harms, and other challenging circumstances.”

Jones said, “We hope that by working with Adferiad we can raise vital awareness and give information on how to get help if you are struggling with ketamine usage.”

Meanwhile, The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel Williams, told Attitude, “We continue to be completely devastated by James’s sudden death.”

She added, “Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK.”

Chanel concluded, “If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug, and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.”

The revelation of The Vivienne’s cause of death comes after World of Wonder, the media company behind the “Drag Race” franchise, announced the production of a new documentary, “Dear Viv,” with “the blessing of James’ family and friends.”

According to an official synopsis, “Dear Viv” is “a heartfelt documentary, made by, and featuring those that knew and loved them.”

The film “will detail the life and legacy of The Vivienne and pay tribute to the beloved drag superstar who left an indelible mark on the world before their passing in January 2025.”

The description continues, “Through a compelling blend of archival footage, intimate interviews with loved ones including Baga Chipz, Michael Marouli, and Danny Beard, and deeply personal letters from fans, the film sensitively traces James’s journey from humble beginnings in North Wales to their meteoric rise on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.”

The documentary also highlights The Vivienne’s “unbreakable spirit, quickfire and hilarious wit, and undeniable talent that came to define them.”

It aims to be “more than just a celebration of a dazzling career, but also to honor their profound impact on the drag community and beyond; ensuring that The Vivienne’s legacy continues to shine.”

On January 5, Jones announced The Vivienne’s death via a post on X. He wrote in a statement, “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend.”

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

Jones added, “They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career. We will not be releasing any further details.”

The statement concluded, “We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”

On January 6, RuPaul paid tribute to the late performer via an Instagram post.

He shared a picture of the deceased and captioned it, “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.”

Meanwhile, the official X account of “RuPaul’s Drag Race” also paid tribute to The Vivienne. They wrote, “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of The Vivienne. Her talent, humor, and dedication to the art of drag was an inspiration.”

They added, “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.”