Heartfelt Health Struggles and Losses: The Inspiring Stories of RuPaul’s Drag Race Stars

RuPaul’s Drag Race is a colorful world filled with talented drag queens who have faced significant challenges over the years. When tragedy strikes, the community comes together to support one another.

Recently, a wave of love and support flooded in for Jiggly Caliente, a beloved contestant from season 4 and a judge on Drag Race Philippines. Jiggly underwent surgery to amputate part of her right leg due to a severe infection. Sadly, she passed away in April 2025 at the age of 44 from complications related to the surgery.

Her team released a heartfelt statement, asking for privacy as she focused on her recovery. Fans and friends rallied, posting messages of love on her social media, showing the strength of the drag community during tough times.

Another loss was The Vivienne, winner of Drag Race UK season 1. She died in January 2025 at just 32, due to cardiac arrest linked to ketamine use. The Vivienne was open about her struggles with addiction and had actively participated in rehabilitation efforts. Her family announced plans to raise awareness about the dangers of ketamine, hoping to prevent similar tragedies.

In July 2024, Dion (real name Michelle Orozco) and Kaos (real name Jesilo Bernard) survived a serious car accident that left one person dead in Los Angeles. Both queens were in an Uber that got caught in a multi-car pileup while attending a drag event. Thankfully, they have since recovered and returned to performing.

Tragedy isn’t new to the Drag Race family. Back in 2020, the beloved queen Chi Chi DeVayne passed away at 34 after battling health issues linked to scleroderma, an autoimmune disease. Chi Chi was known for her incredible talent and charisma, leaving behind a lasting impact on fans and fellow queens alike.

In 2012, Sahara Davenport tragically died at just 27 from congestive heart failure, leaving behind a legacy as a talented dancer and performer in the drag community.

The community continues to honor those lost with memorials and statements of love. RuPaul and other prominent figures celebrated the lives of these incredible queens, affirming the love and kinship that defines the drag community. Their stories inspire ongoing discussions about addiction, health challenges, and mental health, promoting awareness in the broader public.

Every loss reminds the community of the importance of support and compassion. Experts highlight that as awareness grows around issues like addiction, the drag community remains committed to uplifting one another and advocating for mental health resources.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or substance abuse, help is available. You can reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

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