Police have released an update after the tragic death of North Wales drag artist James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, at the age of just 32. Tributes have been paid to Williams, from Colwyn Bay, who won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in Dancing On Ice in 2023.
Cheshire Police have released an update on the 32-year-olds death, which said they had been called to an address in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, at 12.22pm on Sunday, following reports of a sudden death.
A spokesman for the force said: “Police attended, investigated the circumstances of the death of the 32-year-old man and concluded there were no suspicious circumstances. A file will be prepared for the coroner.”
Following news of Williams’ death, their former school Rydal Penrhos said it was “deeply shocked”, Coronation Street actor Antony Cotton called the star a “real joy” and RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said she was “utterly heartbroken”.
Their public relations executive Simon Jones posted on Instagram: “It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams – The Vivienne, has passed this weekend. James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person.
“Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career.
“We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James’s family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve.”
Williams adopted the drag name as they were known for wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing. Williams performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year.
In a statement this evening, their former school Rydal Penrhos said on Facebook: “Rydal Penrhos is deeply shocked and saddened by the passing of James Lee Williams (RPS 2003–08), known to the world as The Vivienne. After achieving worldwide fame as the first winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne’s successful career as a performer and artist proved a source of inspiration and joy to so many. Our heartfelt thoughts are with James’ family and friends at this difficult time.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star Bimini Bon Boulash was also among those posting messages on the official announcement, writing in an Instagram comment: “I’m so sorry I’m in total shock”.
Coronation Street star Antony Cotton said the news of the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was “unbelievably sad”. In a post on X, Cotton said: “This is so unbelievably sad. James was a real joy to be around. We loved him x.”
RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage said she was “utterly heartbroken” at the news of The Vivienne’s death. Commenting on the announcement on social media, Visage wrote: “I don’t have the words. Utterly heartbroken.”
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