It is a question that still brings a heavy silence to the drag community: did the vivienne die? Tragically, the answer is yes. James Lee Williams, the legendary performer who stomped onto our screens and into our hearts as the very first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, passed away in January 2025.
It feels impossible. One day, Viv was the sharp-tongued, incredibly polished queen who could summon a perfect Donald Trump impression at the drop of a hat. The next, the news was breaking that they were gone at just 32 years old. It’s the kind of loss that leaves a permanent mark on the culture.
The Morning the News Broke
On January 5, 2025, the world felt a little less bright. Reports began trickling in that Cheshire Constabulary had been called to a home in Chorlton-by-Backford. When the official statement from manager Simon Jones hit social media, the shock was visceral.
He described James as an "incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person."
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But the "how" and "why" were missing for months. For a long time, fans were left with nothing but grief and rumors. It wasn't until later that the full, heartbreaking picture began to emerge through a formal inquest.
The Reality of What Happened
The details that came out during the inquest at Warrington Coroner’s Court in June 2025 were difficult to hear. James was found in the bath by a neighbor after friends hadn't been able to reach them for a couple of days.
The coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, eventually ruled the death as a misadventure.
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Specifically, the cause of death was cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use.
Honestly, it’s a complicated story. James had been very public about their past struggles with addiction, famously discussing it during their time on Drag Race UK. They had achieved a long period of sobriety, which makes the relapse even more tragic. Their sister, Chanel Williams, spoke out later, questioning if the lingering stigma around drug use prevented James from reaching out for help when they slipped.
Why The Vivienne Mattered So Much
You can't talk about British drag without talking about The Vivienne. They weren't just a "winner"; they were the blueprint.
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- The Snatch Game Legend: That Trump impression? It’s arguably the best in the history of the entire global franchise.
- The Stage Star: Beyond the runway, James was a legitimate theatrical force. They starred as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz and were touring as the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang right up until their passing.
- The Pioneer: They were the first UK queen to compete on an All Stars "All Winners" season in the US, holding their own against the heavyweights of the American scene.
People loved Viv because they were professional but approachable. They were "old school" Liverpool drag meets high-fashion glamour. Seeing buildings across the UK light up in green on the one-year anniversary of their death showed exactly how much they meant to the country.
Breaking the Stigma
In the wake of this tragedy, the Williams family made a brave choice. Instead of hiding the cause of death, they partnered with the charity Adferiad to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine.
It’s a drug that has seen a massive surge in the UK, and by being transparent, the family hopes to save someone else's "James." They want people to remember the artist, the brother, and the son—not just the way they died.
The Vivienne was a beacon. They proved that a kid from North Wales could become a global superstar through sheer talent and hard work. Even though the question of did the vivienne die has a sad answer, their legacy in the drag world is very much alive.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, reaching out to organizations like Adferiad or FRANK in the UK can provide the confidential support needed to navigate the road to recovery.