Vale: Chi Chi DeVayne

US drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for her appearances in RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars, has died, aged just 34.

DeVayne — the drag persona for Zavion Davenport — was hospitalised last week with pneumonia. She was also admitted in July for suspected kidney failure. DeVayne lived with scleroderma, a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks organs, blood vessels and tissues.

Last weekend DeVayne took to Instagram to tell fans, “I’ll be back soon.”

Star RuPaul said, “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. 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.”

Source: Variety