Unfortunately, fan favorite Chi Chi DeVayne -- arguably the best performer out of this season's crop of girls -- didn't make the cut. Hall explained that desire to watch even hit closer to home than she expected. A heartbroken RuPaul offered condolences in a statement posted to Twitter Thursday, saying DeVayne would be dearly missed, but never forgotten., I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul, the statement continued. DeVayne said of the experience: "It changed everything in my life. As the disease progressed, all of the on-stage gymnastics Chi Chi was known for slowly began to slip through her fingers. ", A beloved international star,DeVaynebecame a household name for fans of"RuPauls Drag Race." Chi Chi, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared on two seasons of the popular show "RuPaul's Drag Race" and quickly became a fan favorite. We bonded, ultimately, over a shared love of witchcraft (She had often wondered if she was a witch a trait that skipped a generation in her family). Following the death of the popular drag queen, RuPaul, host of the reality show . She was taken to hospital in July - she told her followers on Instagram it was for kidney failure. Rest in Power. If you have questions or concerns, The stars family said in a statement: It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world renowned Chi Chi DeVayne, His final words to his family and fans, Never Give Up!. RuPauls Drag Race shifted the landscape of drag, pulling talented queens from their local bars and catapulting them into international stardom. DeVayne is the second Drag Race contestant to have died since the shows 2009 inception. Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. last year, with only heart disease and cancer killing more people, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control . I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul, he said in a statement, posted on the shows Twitter page. We find that nearly as many people died of COVID-19 in January and February of 2022 as the . She was truly a legendary queen. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox. RuPaul's Drag Race UK season 2 release date: When will it air. Among patients 65 years or older, the pattern was similar, but the risk of death for survivors of . That laugh of hers was the sound of her beautiful spirit. She put herself on the global map with appearances on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. [24][25] This prompted fans and fellow Drag Race contestants to initiate fundraising efforts for his medical bills. Rest in Power. [8] HuffPost's James Michael Nichols said she "was the dark horse [of the] season, walking through the doors in the first episode in a dress literally made out of garbage bags". Aug. 20 2020, Updated 11:19 p.m. Other RuPauls Drag Race veterans, including Peppermint and Sasha Velour, expressed their sympathy on social media. 2023 BBC. The cause of death was not immediately reported. pic.twitter.com/UspJ3KzQaC, Chi Chi was truly one of the most supportive queens. GLAAD remembered DeVayne as "an incredible performer and such a bright light" in a tweet Thursday. Former "Drag Race" contestant Peppermint tweeted a photo of DeVayne. The reality show catapulted her career and brand. Her drag mothers were Kourtni DeVayne and Lady Phat Kat. COVID-19 was reported as either the underlying cause of death or a contributing cause of death for some 11.3% of U.S. fatalities, and replaced suicide as one of the top 10 leading causes of death. [11][25] Two days later, he posted an update on social media, saying, "I let it go too long without going to the doctor, and these are the consequences". Chi Chi DeVayne World of Wonder. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN. When she wasnt absorbed in security cam footage, she loved watching camp films, like Little Shop of Horrors and Death Becomes Her, and action movies too disaster movies were her favourite. She still had so much left to do. Aug. 20, 2020 6:13 PM PT. She was lovable because she loved. Chi Chi was cautious around me at first because I was white (she described a strong cultural divide in Shreveport). In this retrospective cross-sectional study, we analysed medical records of 1232 assault victims (domestic violence: 111, random assault: 900, prison assault: 221) with . Love RuPaul's Drag Race? ", So much joy so much light. The cause of death is pending an autopsy . Chi Chi DeVayne starred on RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars in 2018. RuPaul has paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was heartbroken to learn of her death. One of the brightest, beloved stars of 'RuPaul's Drag Race,' has died. This season of "Drag Race" premiered only a few weeks before lockdown began, making it impossible for this batch of new queens to really . The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race also paid tribute with a statement from RuPaul. She spoke openly about her struggles, becoming an advocate for Scleroderma awareness, and she vowed to switch up her drag, adapting to the limitations of her own body. Following her time on the show, DeVayne embarked on a number of domestic and international tours, and she was featured on several web series about drag. When I tell you I come from the streets, I'm not kidding. The entertainer, whose real name was . The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on patterns of interpersonal violence across the world. I loved the flamboyant and inimitable performances of the 'Drag Race' alum, just as I loved her quieter side off-stage. Season 12 winner Jaida Essence Hall and Miss Congeniality winner Heidi N Closet sat down with TODAY to reflect on this life-changing last year. RuPaul (2/2)". Week after week, she gave the show everything she had: back flips, front flips, lip-synching while twerking in an upside-down handstand. While a number of Chi Chi's fellow Drag Race stars paid their respects at the time, the show included a special video tribute to the All Star contestant during the series 13 finale. Followers of the 34-year-old star are shocked to hear of her sad passing - here is what we know. Zavion Davenport, best known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Looking back on this season and looking forwarding to the 2020 Emmys where the show is nominated for 13 awards, including outstanding competition and outstanding host, Hall says the show is deserving now more than ever despite coronavirus or any drama that happened at the start of the twelfth season. I was always a little performer. Her loss is devastating. WATCH: Chi Chis get-well-soon message in the fourth slide below. (She was also constantly on watch to see who was stealing her mail it was almost compulsive!) It's crazy. There seemed to be nothing she couldnt do. "She's such an amazing person. This means that we may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. Do you have a story to sell? American drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, died Thursday at 34. pic.twitter.com/pOLjEN5pPJ. On Thursday (August 20), news broke that fan-favorite RuPaul's Drag Race queen Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on season 8 of the show and on season . How COVID-19 Deaths Are Counted. Aug 21, 2020, 04:25 PM EDT. He had a sister, Brittany; a brother, DaRico Wyandon; and two half-brothers, Zachary and Zamien Willis. Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. In her early days as a drag entertainer, she was a regular performer at the . So sad and heartbroken to hear of the passing of #chichidevayne youll be loved and missed sis! [13] The next year, she toured with A Drag Queen Christmas,[14][15] and she was subsequently a cast member of several international live shows featuring Drag Race contestants. Fatal ischemic events (venous or arterial) occurred in 13% of the cases. She had a natural, God-given light within her & she shared it with all of us on Drag Race. The performer's family confirmed the death Thursday on Instagram but did not . For other inquiries, Contact Us. READ MORECanadas Drag Race star Ilona Verley talks her exit from the show. RuPaul paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Read about our approach to external linking. [2] He described parts of his upbringing as rough: he carried a gun, got into trouble, and joined gangs. Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. In a piece to camera from her hospital bed, Chi Chi said she was going to make herself scarce on social media for a few days. The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. [11][27] He died on August 20, 2020, at the age of 34. The star also competed in the third series of the All Stars version of the series. She may not have won her season, but she won the heart of viewers and became an international star, going on to tour and performing in cities like Rio, Los Angeles and Montreal. The condition sees the immune system attack the tissue under the skin as well as around internal organs and blood vessels. Now Trump proposals threaten their hopes of U.S. asylum. Canada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". ", "She always showed how being humble, honest and your true authentic self will get you far!" [22] In a memorial post, GLAAD called DeVayne "an incredible performer and such a bright light". See All . The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. CHI CHI DeVayne's death has left fans of RuPaul's Drag Race in mourning. The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. Trinity "The Tuck" Taylor,a contestant from"Drag Race" and "Drag Race All Stars,"floated the idea of a drag benefit show to raise funds for DeVayne's funeral. DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. As always you can unsubscribe at any time. On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPauls Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy - from our family to hers. "[12], DeVayne was interviewed on RuPaul's podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? RuPauls Drag Race star Chi Chi Devayne has died at age 34. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. By the time a U.S. adult lives to 65, they are unlikely to die . hi Chi DeVayne, an entertainer who competed on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," died at age 34, his mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN. But she didnt surprise me. "Our hearts are with all of Chi Chi's loved ones today," GLAAD continued. Her drag mothers were Kourtni DeVayne and Lady Phat Kat. DeVayne described it as a chronic, incurable illness that causes the skin to tighten and thick scar tissues to form around internal organs, impairing their ability to function. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. Minutes before I sat down with "RuPaul's Drag Race" season 12 stars Jaida Essence Hall (who won) and Heidi N Closet (who snatched the sash for Miss Congeniality), news of the tragic death of Chi Chi DeVayne broke. Chi Chi DeVayne performs onstage during the RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8 Finale Party at Stage 48 on May 16, 2016, in New York City. She explained earlier on: "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". "I was hopeful that she would come off this because I have a close friend that's going through a similar situation," Hall, 33, said to TODAY. Assigning a cause of death is never straightforward, but data on excess deaths suggest coronavirus death tolls are likely an underestimate. She was 34. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61. Assault is the leading preventable cause of death, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and associated mental health problems. Scleroderma can come in different types, with different levels of seriousness. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which "RuPaul's Drag Race" fans are mourning the death of drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. She was a star & without her the world has less sparkle. Chi Chi DeVayne dead :Chi Chi's cause of death is yet to be revealed (Image: GETTY) READ MORE. At the individual level, CDC estimates that in February and March of 2022 unvaccinated people were 10 times more likely to die from COVID-19 than people vaccinated with at least a primary series, on an age . she has inspired so many and she has changed this community forever. "May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Read our privacy notice. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. Her heart was big. It has since been updated. Love you, Chi Chi. She was 34. Drag Race fans have been left saddened by the news that drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne died on Thursday, August 20. Rest In Peace now my beautiful sister #chichidevayne im heart broken. U.S. deaths from COVID-19 so far, compared to top 10 U.S. causes of death in 2019. Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved drag queen who shot to fame on the " RuPaul's Drag Race " franchise, died Thursday in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. "Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met.". She had driven the entire day from her home in Shreveport. Chi Chi DeVayne . May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". Chi Chi was constantly discouraged from going public about her condition for fear it would limit bookings. Chi Chi DeVayne. And there were a lot of limitations, but Chi Chi kept finding new ways to evolve as an artist taking a page from her own book: It doesnt matter what you have, its what you do with it that counts A post shared by Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial) on Jun 29, 2019 at 8:40am PDT. World Health Organization Coronavirus disease situation dashboard presents official daily counts of COVID-19 cases and deaths worldwide, along with vaccination rates and other vaccination data, while providing a hub to other resources. By April 2022, it had declined to 60-70% and stayed at that level through September 2022. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images/TNS) Santiago . 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. Now today, this is where we are. Chi Chi was the dark-horse this season, walking through the doors in the first episode in a dress literally made out of garbage bags. Chi Chi died from pneumonia after being hospitalised for a second time this year. The news came days after the performer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was reportedly hospitalized with pneumonia. [17] She was eliminated in the fourth episode,[18] originally placing seventh, but she ultimately finished eighth after Morgan McMichaels returned to the competition. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Don't miss a beat. Scleroderma is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. Chi Chi DeVayne came to international attention on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and also appeared on the third season of the All Stars version of the show. Chi Chi, real name Zavion Davenport, stole the hearts of viewers the world over after appearing in RuPauls Drag Race season eight and later the third season of Drag Race All Stars. rest in power".