Drag queen James Lee Williams – often known as “The Vivienne”- died after taking ketamine, their household has mentioned.
Williams, who gained the primary collection of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019 underneath their drag title, was discovered lifeless on the age of 32 at their residence in Cheshire on 5 January.
In an announcement shared in an Instagram story as we speak, Williams’ supervisor Simon Jones mentioned the “family and I feel it is important to say how James tragically died”.
Mr Jones continued: “We 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.
“Ketamine utilization is on the rise, significantly amongst younger individuals, and I do not suppose the total risks of the drug are being mentioned.”
Mr Jones added that he and the household are working with psychological well being and dependancy service Adferiad on a marketing campaign to “raise vital awareness and give information on how to get help if you are struggling with ketamine usage”.
Williams reportedly died after struggling a cardiac arrest attributable to ketamine – a common anaesthetic that can also be used as a leisure drug,
Donna Chaves, from Adferiad, mentioned: “We are incredibly grateful to James’s family for choosing to support and work with us on this campaign.
“Their braveness in sharing James’s story will assist elevate important consciousness of the devastating influence substance use can have. We’re seeing a worrying rise within the variety of individuals utilizing ketamine, typically unaware of the intense dangers it poses to their bodily and psychological well being.
“Addiction can affect anyone, and too many people suffer in silence due to stigma and lack of understanding.
“By opening conversations and difficult misconceptions, we can assist stop additional tragedies and assist these in want to search out hope and restoration.”
An inquest into the dying of Williams was opened and adjourned at Cheshire Coroner’s Court docket in Warrington final month.
The TV persona, who grew up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, earlier than shifting to Liverpool, got here third within the 2023 version of Dancing On Ice.
The star carried out because the Depraved Witch of the West in a UK and Eire tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the position within the West Finish on the Gillian Lynne Theatre final 12 months.
Picture:
The Vivienne on the premiere of the movie ‘Depraved’ in November 2024. Pic: AP
They had been due again on stage this month because the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a job they first performed final 12 months.
Their funeral in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales, was attended by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, together with Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins, TV persona Kim Woodburn and Coronation Road actress Claire Sweeney.
The federal government is in search of knowledgeable recommendation after unlawful use of ketamine surged to report ranges.
Within the 12 months ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 individuals aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is managed as class B, in keeping with the House Workplace.
In response to the UK nationwide anti-drug advisory service Frank, ketamine reduces sensations within the physique which may make customers really feel dream-like and indifferent, chilled, relaxed and completely happy, but in addition confused and nauseated.
A full inquest into the dying of The Vivienne was listed to happen on 30 June.
