The Tragic Truth: 5 Key Facts About The Vivienne's Cause Of Death And Lasting Legacy

The sudden passing of The Vivienne, the beloved winner of the inaugural series of *RuPaul's Drag Race UK*, sent shockwaves across the global drag and entertainment communities. As of today, December 13, 2025, the official details surrounding the death of the Welsh drag superstar, whose real name was James Lee Williams, have been fully confirmed following a public inquest, revealing a tragic and unexpected cause that the family is now using to fuel a vital public health campaign.

The highly respected artist, celebrated for their sharp wit, incredible polish, and iconic celebrity impressions, was just 32 years old. This article delves into the official findings, the coroner's ruling, and the lasting legacy of The Vivienne, providing the most current and verified information available.

The Vivienne: A Biography of a Drag Icon (James Lee Williams)

The Vivienne, born James Lee Williams on April 12, 1992, in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, quickly rose from the local Liverpool drag scene to international stardom. Their career was marked by groundbreaking achievements and a fierce dedication to the art of drag.

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• Real Name: James Lee Williams
• Date of Birth: April 12, 1992
• Place of Birth: Colwyn Bay, North Wales
• Date of Death: January 5, 2025
• Age at Death: 32
• Spouse: David Ludford (m. 2019)
• Career Highlights:
• Winner of *RuPaul's Drag Race UK* Series 1 (2019).
• Appointed the UK's first-ever RuPaul's Drag Race UK Ambassador in 2019.
• First drag queen to compete on the British competition series *Dancing on Ice* (2023).
• Appeared on *RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars* Season 7 (2022).
• Known for their signature celebrity impressions, particularly of Donald Trump and Dolly Parton.

Williams's career trajectory was a testament to the mainstream acceptance of drag culture, using their platform to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and consistently pushing the boundaries of television entertainment.

The Official Cause of Death: Cardio-Respiratory Arrest and the Inquest Ruling

The question of "The Vivienne cause of death" was definitively answered following an official inquest at Cheshire Coroner's Court. The details confirmed the heartbreaking nature of the passing, which occurred at their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire.

The coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, Senior Coroner for Cheshire, concluded the inquest by ruling the death as misadventure.

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What Does "Death by Misadventure" Mean?

The verdict of "death by misadventure" is a legal ruling used in the UK when a death is caused by an unintended consequence of a voluntary action. In this case, the ruling confirmed that James Lee Williams did not intend to end their life.

The specific medical cause of death was recorded as cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use. The inquest revealed that the star had a "relatively high" level of ketamine in their system at the time of their death. Ketamine, a powerful dissociative anesthetic, can cause a fatal shutdown of the heart and lungs in high doses.

Williams was tragically discovered by a neighbor in the bath at their home on Sunday, January 5, 2025. The inquest proceedings were a difficult but necessary step for the family to gain clarity and move forward with their mission to raise awareness.

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A Lasting Legacy: The Vivienne's Family Launches Ketamine Awareness Campaign

In the wake of the official ruling, The Vivienne's family and management released a powerful statement. They chose to be transparent about the cause of death not just for clarity, but to launch a crucial public awareness initiative.

The family has partnered with the leading Welsh charity Adferiad to highlight the severe dangers of ketamine use. Their goal is to prevent similar tragedies by educating the public, especially young people and the LGBTQ+ community, about the risks associated with the drug.

This decision transforms a personal tragedy into a beacon of public health advocacy. By openly discussing the role of ketamine, the family hopes to combat the rising statistics of ketamine-related deaths and encourage those struggling with substance use to seek help.

The outpouring of condolences from fellow drag queens, television personalities, and fans worldwide underscored the immense impact The Vivienne had on pop culture. Their legacy is not only the crown from *Drag Race UK* or their groundbreaking performance on *Dancing on Ice*, but also the courage of their family to speak out in their memory.

The Vivienne's vibrant spirit, which championed self-expression and authenticity, continues to inspire millions. The mission to raise awareness about ketamine use ensures that the name James Lee Williams will forever be associated with a positive, life-saving message, solidifying a legacy that transcends the stage.