The family of James Lee Williams, best known as The Vivienne, winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK season one, has revealed the drag star’s cause of death.
In an official statement, Williams’ family confirmed that they passed away due to cardiac arrest brought on by the effects of ketamine.
The Vivienne, who secured the title as the first-ever winner of Drag Race UK in 2019, tragically died on 5 January this year at the age of 32. Their body was found in the bathroom of their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester.
An inquest into their death was opened last month and is set to continue on 30 June.
Family Speaks Out on the Dangers of Ketamine
Chanel Williams, The Vivienne’s sister, expressed the family’s ongoing grief, stating they are “completely devastated” by the loss. She also confirmed that the family will collaborate with substance abuse support charity Adferiad to raise awareness of the risks associated with ketamine use.
“Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK,” Chanel Williams said.
“If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.”
The Vivienne’s manager, Simon Jones, also addressed the cause of death, confirming it was a result of cardiac arrest triggered by ketamine use.
“I hope that by us releasing this information, we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body. Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed,” Jones stated.
The Rising Concern Over Ketamine Use
Ketamine, commonly referred to as K or ket, is classified as a Class B drug in the UK, making it illegal to buy or sell. While it has legitimate medical applications, such as anaesthesia and pain relief, its non-medical use has surged, particularly among young people.
Statistics indicate a rise in ketamine use among young people, increasing from 0.9% in 2006-2007 to 3.8% in 2022-2023, equating to approximately 220,000 users.
The drug was also cited as the primary cause of death in the case of Friends star Matthew Perry, who passed away in 2023.
Donna Chavez, a spokesperson for Adferiad, praised The Vivienne’s family for their decision to speak openly about the issue.
“Their courage in sharing James’ story will help raise vital awareness of the devastating impact substance use can have,” Chavez said.
“We are seeing a worrying rise in the number of people using ketamine, often unaware of the serious risks it poses to their physical and mental health. By opening conversations and challenging misconceptions, we can help prevent further tragedies and support those in need to find hope and recovery.”
Adferiad will launch a campaign called Only Human in April, aiming to reduce stigma surrounding addiction and provide essential resources to those affected. The Vivienne’s family will be closely involved in the campaign.
A Legacy Remembered
The Vivienne had been candid about their struggles with addiction, discussing the topic during Drag Race UK season one in 2019. They later incorporated references to their experiences into a comedy routine in All Stars 7 in 2022.
Following their passing in January, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media from the entertainment industry, with figures such as Michelle Visage, Ariana Grande, Jinkx Monsoon, and Rylan honouring the beloved drag performer.
In February, The Vivienne was posthumously awarded the Icon Award at the first-ever Metro Pride Awards. Shortly after, Drag Race production company World of Wonder announced Dear Viv, a documentary dedicated to celebrating their extraordinary life and career.
