Fan Favorite Chi Chi DeVayne of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Dies at 34 What Happened?

May 2024 ยท 2 minute read

'RuPaul's Drag Race' star and a fan favorite on the show, Chi Chi DeVayne dies at 34-years-old. The American drag queen's family have spoken out to confirm the tragic news.

On Thursday, "RuPaul's Drag Race" fan favorite and two-time contestant, Chi Chi DeVayne, died at 34-years-old. She was born Zavion Davenport from Shreveport, Louisiana.

The American drag queen was first introduced to viewers when she appeared on the show's eighth season. DeVayne made her return in 2018 for season three of the all-star lineup.

His mother, Tina Davenport, confirmed the news of her son's passing to CNN. The family also released a press statement for the star who often used both female and male pronouns.

In Davenport's emotional statement, she shared her "sorrow" as she announced that her "beloved son" had passed away. The proud mom referred to DeVayne as a world-renowned figure.

DeVayne's family also confirmed the news of her death on the actress' social media page. In both statements, they revealed that her final words to his family and fans were "Never Give Up!"

They did not immediately disclose to the public her cause of death. However, her sister Brittany later confirmed to The New York Times that DeVayne died at a hospital in Shreveport from scleroderma.

Chi Chi DeVayne performs onstage during the premiere of season 8 for "RuPaul's Drag Race" on February 22, 2016, New York | Source: Santiago Felipe/Getty Images

According to Entertainment Weekly, only a week ago, DeVayne shared with her Instagram followers that she had been hospitalized. In a candid clip from her hospital stay, she asked her fans to pray for her recovery.

In July, the television personality had been hospitalized for high blood pressure and what was believed to be kidney failure. She told her fans that before undergoing dialysis treatment, she had catheters surgically installed on her kidneys and heart.

RuPaul, who has been disengaged from all social media since July, shared a personal statement about DeVayne's death. The show's creator wrote:

"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."

DeVayne's passing makes her the second person who has competed on "RuPaul Drag Race" that has died in recent years. In season two, a contestant named Sahara Davenport passed away from heart failure in 2012.

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