Drag star The Vivienne died after taking ketamine, family says

The family of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner, The Vivienne, has spoken out following the tragic death of the 32-year-old performer, vowing to raise awareness of the dangers of ketamine use. The performer, whose real name was James Lee Williams, was found dead at their Cheshire home in January. Their sister, Chanel Williams, said the family remains “completely devastated” and will be working with the substance abuse charity Adferiad to educate the public about the risks of ketamine addiction.

An inquest into Williams’ death is scheduled for June, but Cheshire Police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident. Simon Jones, Williams’ manager and close friend, expressed the family’s desire to share the circumstances of their passing in order to highlight the dangers of prolonged ketamine use. He stated, “I hope by us releasing this information we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body.”

Originally from Colwyn Bay, North Wales, Williams gained widespread fame after winning the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Their success led to a thriving career in television and theatre, making them the only UK contestant to compete on the US version of Drag Race All Stars. Tributes from fans and celebrities flooded social media, with figures such as Jade Thirlwall and Ian “H” Watkins from Steps attending their funeral in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, at the end of January.

Williams had previously been open about their struggles with ketamine addiction, using their platform to raise awareness about substance abuse during their time on Drag Race UK. Their family now hopes to continue this advocacy by collaborating with Adferiad on a campaign that encourages open conversations about drug use and recovery. Speaking on behalf of the family, Chanel Williams described ketamine as “an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK.” She added, “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.”Singers Jade Thirlwall and Marcus Collins attended The Vivienne’s funeral in January

Ketamine, commonly used as a horse tranquiliser and anaesthetic, is a licensed drug that can be prescribed for medical purposes. However, its illegal use has surged among young people in the UK. Data from the National Drug Treatment Monitoring System shows that the number of under-18s entering drug treatment for ketamine-related issues nearly tripled from 335 cases in 2020-21 to 917 cases in 2023-24.

Donna Chavez, a spokesperson for Adferiad, expressed gratitude for the Williams family’s willingness to share their story. “Their courage in sharing James’ story will help raise vital awareness of the devastating impact substance use can have,” she 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.”

Williams’ death has sent shockwaves through the drag and LGBTQ+ communities, prompting renewed conversations about drug use, addiction, and the importance of seeking help. The family hopes that by using The Vivienne’s platform, they can reach those who may be struggling and encourage them to seek support. As the inquest approaches, their legacy of advocacy and awareness will remain at the forefront of this campaign, ensuring that their tragic passing is not in vain.

This article highlights the growing concerns about ketamine abuse in the UK while honoring The Vivienne’s influence in both the entertainment industry and substance abuse awareness efforts. With ongoing support from charities like Adferiad, the conversation around ketamine addiction continues to gain momentum, offering hope and resources for those affected.