James Lee Williams, the celebrated drag performer known as The Vivienne, tragically died at age 32 from a cardiac arrest linked to ketamine use, their family revealed. The RuPaul's Drag Race UK champion, found unresponsive at their Cheshire home in January, had long been vocal about their struggles with addiction, a legacy their loved ones now aim to amplify through a substance abuse awareness campaign.
Chanel Williams, the performer's sister, shared that the family "remain deeply shattered" by the loss and plan to collaborate with the charity Adferiad to educate others on ketamine's risks. Cheshire Police confirmed no foul play was involved, and an inquest into the death is set for June.
Rising to fame after winning the inaugural UK season of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2019, The Vivienne became a trailblazer in British drag, later competing on the U.S. edition of Drag Race All Stars. Their career spanned theater, television, and advocacy, including candid discussions about overcoming ketamine addiction during their reality TV stint.
Hundreds gathered at a Liverpool vigil shortly after their death, with mourners describing Williams as someone who "brought the sparkle to life." Celebrities like Jade Thirlwall (Little Mix) and Steps' Ian "H" Watkins joined family and fellow drag artists at a late-January funeral in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, to honor the star.
The Williams family emphasized ketamine's growing prevalence in the UK, citing alarming data: Youth admissions for ketamine-related treatment surged from 335 to 917 between 2020 and 2024, per the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System. Though medically licensed as an anesthetic, illicit use—particularly among young people—has spiked, raising concerns about its physical and mental health risks.
"Ketamine is an insidious drug," Chanel Williams stated. "If sharing James' story saves even one life, some light will emerge from this darkness."
Adferiad, a substance abuse charity partnering with the family, praised their courage. "The Vivienne's story underscores ketamine's devastating potential," said spokesperson Donna Chavez. "We're witnessing a dangerous trend, often fueled by misinformation. Open dialogue and education are critical to prevention."
Manager Simon Jones, a close friend, added: "James' legacy was about authenticity and helping others. By addressing this issue head-on, we hope to honor that mission."
The Vivienne's family aims to launch the awareness initiative later this year, urging those struggling with addiction to seek support. "Recovery is possible," Chavez said. "No one should face this battle alone."