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Coroner Rules Drag Star The Vivienne’s January Death a Misadventure

Attributed to a ketamine-induced cardiac arrest, the verdict paves the way for a family-led drug awareness campaign.

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The Vivienne. (Getty)
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Fans shared messages for The Vivienne at DragCon UK. (Getty)

Overview

  • On June 30 at Cheshire Coroner’s Court, Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish concluded that James Lee Williams’s death was a misadventure.
  • Toxicology and pathology evidence identified a cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use, with no indication of intent to self-harm or foul play.
  • Inquest testimony described how a neighbour discovered Williams in a bathtub after two days and found multiple drug packets in the home.
  • Williams rose to prominence as the inaugural winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and had openly shared a four-year struggle with substance use on the show.
  • The family plans to work with charity Adferiad to launch a campaign warning of ketamine risks and promoting timely support for addiction.