‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Queen Chi Chi DeVayne Has Tragically Passed Away
Shocking fans, former RuPaul’s Drag Race’s drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne has died at the young age of 34.
Chi Chi DeVayne, born Zavion Davenport, grew up in Shreveport, Lousiana before skyrocketing to drag fame, eventually becoming a fan favorite on the drag race reality TV show, RuPaul’s Drag Race on VH1. DeVayne ended up placing fourth on the show and returned for the third season of RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race.
Although DeVayne’s life appeared glamorous as a beloved drag queen who rose to fame quite young, things weren’t always sunshine and rainbows. Unfortunately, the drag icon suffered from an autoimmune disease known as scleroderma, a rare disease that affects the skin. In the middle of the pandemic (in July), DeVayne was taken to the hospital for what was thought to be kidney failure stemming from the condition. In August, DeVayne returned to the hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia and sadly passed away days later on August 20th.
Fans and other drag queens that worked with DeVayne have expressed their devastation in response to the unprecedented death. “RIP Queen” and “Rest in Power” have been trending on Twitter in response to Devayne’s death all day. RuPaul released a statement through RuPaul’s Drag Race’s twitter about his feelings about DeVayne just an hour ago.
“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne.
I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul.
She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.” –RuPaul (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iN3oT3R2dG— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 20, 2020
“On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy – from our family to hers.” –RuPaul (2/2)
— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 20, 2020
It is heartbreaking to hear about another person of color losing their life too young and unexpectedly. Another bright, beautiful light has been burned out too soon. Rest in power, Chi Chi DeVayne, you will be truly missed.
