For four years, I battled a drug addiction. It began with party drugs, but I couldn’t just leave them behind when the party ended; they became a constant in my life. Tragically, three of my friends died due to substance abuse, but even their deaths didn’t stop me. It wasn’t until two months after the death of drag race star The Vivienne, who tragically passed away from cardiac arrest caused by ketamine, that I hit rock bottom.

The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams, died at the age of 32. His family confirmed the cause of death and expressed their deep sorrow. His sister, Chanel, spoke to the BBC, sharing how devastated the family is. The Vivienne was known as the first UK RuPaul’s Drag Race Superstar, and his passing has shocked many. As a queer person from a small town in North Wales, The Vivienne’s rise to fame seemed almost surreal. “It’s just insane,” he said, reflecting on his journey from a small town to the global stage.

The Vivienne had openly discussed his struggles with substance abuse during his appearance on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. He revealed the highs and lows of his addiction, explaining that there’s no feeling quite like the high of performing on stage, which led him to seek out substances to recreate that feeling. “There’s no bigger high than going on stage and entertaining people, so when that’s over, I’d need to feel it again,” he said. This cycle nearly cost him his life, but he was able to recognize the danger and sought help before it was too late. He turned to drag as an outlet, finding it to be a way to constantly evolve and change.

Now, Chanel is using her sibling’s platform to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine and help others who may be struggling with addiction. She hopes that by sharing their story, something positive can come from this tragedy. “If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug and help people dealing with ketamine addiction, then something good will come from this loss,” she shared.

The Vivienne’s story is a powerful reminder of the dangers of addiction, the importance of self-reflection, and the potential for transformation. His legacy will live on not only through his work but also through the awareness his family hopes to spread, in the hope that it will save others from a similar fate.