The Vivienne James Lee Williams Found Dead After Ketamine Overdose

June 30, 2025 – Beloved RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne, whose real name was James Lee Williams, tragically died at the age of 32 earlier this year. A coroner’s inquest has now revealed that the performer was found dead in a bathtub at their home in Cheshire, having likely passed away days before being discovered.

The inquest, held at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington, heard that The Vivienne had a “relatively high” level of ketamine in their system, which caused cardiac arrest. The coroner, Jacqueline Devonish, officially recorded the cause of death as “misadventure,” noting that while the drug use was excessive, there was no intent to die.

Discovery & Circumstances

The performer was discovered by a concerned neighbour on January 5, 2025, after no contact had been made for several days. Police who arrived at the scene confirmed there were no signs of suspicious activity. The inquest revealed that five “snap bags” containing drugs were found in various parts of the home, including a bedroom drawer and bathroom bin.

The last known contact was with a friend, Bobby Musker, the Friday before their death, who stated that ketamine use was evident during their interaction.

Family Speaks Out

The Vivienne’s sister, Chanel, spoke at the inquest, saying: “We acknowledge that James’ death is as a result of drug use but we wholeheartedly know that was not their intention. They loved life, they loved their family and friends, and they loved their career.”

The coroner emphasized the importance of not allowing the circumstances of death to overshadow James’ legacy: “It is very important to the family that James is not remembered for his use of ketamine, because drugs don’t define the person he was.”

Legacy & Career

James Lee Williams was the winner of the first season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019, performing as The Vivienne. Their charisma, wit, and bold drag persona quickly made them a fan favourite.

In addition to reality TV success, The Vivienne found acclaim in theatre, starring as the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz UK & Ireland tour. They also appeared on ITV’s Dancing on Ice in 2023 and were due to return to the stage as The Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang shortly before their untimely death.

The Vivienne was open about past drug struggles, once saying on Drag Race UK: “It was party, drugs, but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party. It was constant for me.”

Despite these struggles, they maintained a thriving career and were posthumously honoured with an Icon Award at the Metro Pride Awards in February 2025.

Funeral and Tributes

The Vivienne’s funeral took place in North Wales, attended by fellow Drag Race UK stars Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, as well as celebrities such as Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, JLS member Aston Merrygold, and actress Claire Sweeney.

During the Metro Pride Awards, Drag Race stars performed a touching tribute to The Vivienne by lip-syncing to “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)” – one of their favourite songs – choreographed by Cheryl Hole.