The cause of death for popular drag queen performer The Vivienne, James Lee Williams (32), has been ruled as misadventure. A coroner determined Williams suffered cardio-respiratory arrest following ketamine use.
Williams, also known as The Vivienne, was discovered in the bath by a neighbor at their Cheshire home in Chorlton-by-Backford on Sunday, January 5th.
The last known contact with Williams was the previous Friday evening. Friend Bobby Musker testified at Warrington Coroner’s Court that it was clear Williams had used ketamine at that time.
The inquest revealed the discovery of five drug snap bags within the property, located in a bedroom drawer and a bathroom bin.
While Williams had a history of drug use, their family emphasized at the hearing that their loved one’s memory should not be solely defined by ketamine use. They stressed that drugs did not encompass the entirety of who Williams was.
The hearing also heard that friends and family had no concerns about Williams’ mental well-being. Williams was reportedly enthusiastic about upcoming television and theater roles, although they did “occasionally” use ketamine.
Senior Coroner for Cheshire, Jacqueline Devonish, concluded the inquest, stating: “The medical cause of death is cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use.”
“The conclusion, on the balance of probabilities, I’m satisfied that James Williams’ death was a misadventure, he took ketamine but he did not intend to take his own life.”
Williams rose to fame as the winner of the inaugural season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and had previously spoken about their past struggle with drug addiction.
A coroner’s court officer conveyed the Williams family’s request that the media use “they/them” pronouns when referring to their loved one.
