James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, tragically passed away due to a cardiac arrest caused by ketamine usage, their family confirmed. The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner was found at their home in Cheshire in January, leaving fans and celebrities heartbroken.
The family shared that they remain devastated and now aim to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine. They will collaborate with Adferiad, a substance abuse charity, to educate people about addiction and its risks.
An inquest is set for June, but police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances. Their manager and close friend, Simon Jones, hopes that sharing these details will help others understand the risks of ketamine addiction and its impact on health.
The Vivienne, originally from Colwyn Bay, Wales, gained fame by winning Drag Race UK in 2019 and later became the first UK queen to compete in All Stars US. They openly spoke about their struggles with addiction during the show, helping to start conversations about substance abuse.
Following their passing, a vigil in Liverpool was held in their memory, with family and friends expressing how they will be missed forever. Many celebrities, including Jade Thirlwall and Ian “H” Watkins, attended the funeral in Bodelwyddan.
The Williams family now hopes their legacy will inspire change. They stress that ketamine is a dangerous drug that is becoming more common in the UK. Reports show that underage ketamine use has risen sharply in recent years, highlighting an urgent need for awareness and prevention.
Experts from Adferiad warn that ketamine is often underestimated, with serious risks to physical and mental health. By sharing The Vivienne’s story, their family hopes to help others struggling with addiction and prevent further tragedies.
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