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.