New utterly tragic details about Drag Race star The Vivienne’s death have been revealed
'He did not intend to end his own life'
Warning: This article may include content some readers may find distressing
Following a public inquest into the death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star, The Vivienne, whose real name is James Lee Williams, new tragic details about their death have been revealed.
The coroner found that it’s likely that James passed away in the bath on Friday evening, and wasn’t found until Sunday.
They stated: “I am satisfied that James Lee Williams’ death was a misadventure. He took ketamine but he did not intend to end his own life.”
The neighbour who sadly discovered The Vivienne, stated in court: “I went into the kitchen and Ryan went into the living room, we were calling his name and there was no answer.
“All the lights were on. As we got to the top of the stairs, Ryan went one way and I turned right. James’ bedroom is there and there is a door to the ensuite.
“I looked at James’ bed which was all ruffled, I initially thought Panda [Mr Williams’ dog] had ragged the quilt on the bed. And then I walked past James’ bed and into the bathroom and saw James in the bath, he just looked like he was sleeping.”
She continued: “I ran over to them and put my hand under their head to stop their face going into the water. I screamed for Ryan, telling them they needed to call for an ambulance and to get some help.
“I kept hold of James because I didn’t want their face in the water, I kept talking to them. Ryan came in the room and he was saying ‘mum, I can’t come in.’
“So I gently lay James back to take the call from the 999, she asked me some questions and asked me to try and get the patient out of the bath. I tried to take the weight of his body, I told Ryan to go and get my partner Mike.
“I said he needed to phone Bobby and that we needed help. Then I just sat with James and made sure their head didn’t go under the water.”
The Vivienne’s family told the hearing that they would not wish for the Drag Race star to be remembered for their use of drugs, and that they didn’t define who they were.
Lee Williams, James’ father, described them as “an outgoing character who was full of life” and “just wanted to make people laugh.”
He said: “He achieved his goals. He had future goals he wanted to achieve. Along the way he always wanted to try to help his community, which he did and try to help other drag queens.
He was always available. He never turned anybody down. He never turned his back on anybody. He never said no.
“He loved the stage, that’s where he saw the rest of his career being, on the stage, in the theatre. That’s what he loved to do.”
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