‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ star Chi Chi DeVayne dies aged 34

RuPaul’s Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died at the age of 34.

Reports that the drag star, who appeared on Drag Race season 8 and later All Stars 3, had died first began circulating on Thursday night (20 August) before being confirmed by Entertainment Weekly.

DeVayne, real name Zavion Davenport, was hospitalised with suspected kidney failure in July, before being released. She was re-admitted to hospital just days ago, where she informed fans she was being treated for pneumonia.

In 2018, DeVayne was diagnosed with Scleroderma, a rare autoimmune diesease which sees the immune system attack the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels.

The fan favourite queen, who was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, instantly won over viewers during her time on Drag Race with her thrifty looks and warm-hearted attitude.

Tributes have been pouring in for one of drag’s brightest, most positive stars. Read some of them below:

This is so heart-breaking 😢💔 RIP Chi Chi DeVayne 💔 My heart goes out to all of Chi Chi’s family, friends and fans. https://t.co/g6ZXoF2RAO

— Pandora Boxx (@ThePandoraBoxx) August 20, 2020

Chi Chi Devayne was such a light during her season and beyond. She always showed how being humble, honest and your true authentic self will get you far! She was a TRUE STAR and her legacy will live on forever #RIPChiChiDevayne 🌹 pic.twitter.com/Q0VGgyCngr

— Cheryl Hole (@CherylHoleQueen) August 20, 2020

Just informed that zavion aka chi chi devayne has passed away 😔 rest in no more pain, no more worry and no more sorrow #chichidevayne #rip #rupaulsdragrace #canadasdragrace #dragqueen #rupaul #makeup #mua #makeupslaves #makeupvideo #makeupideas #makeupgeek pic.twitter.com/CdV3KBsW1v

— nina bonina brown (@atlsexyslim) August 20, 2020

thank you for sharing your bright and beautiful soul with so many of us and inspiring us all. heaven just gained the brightest star. i’m so heartbroken 😔💔 #chichidevayne

— lemon (@thatbitchlemon) August 20, 2020

“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.” –RuPaul (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iN3oT3R2dG

— RuPaul’s Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 20, 2020

Rest In Peace now my beautiful sister #chichidevayne im heart broken.

— Roxxxy Andrews (@RoxxxyAndrews) August 20, 2020

Rest in Power Angel! Seriously one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. 💔
Zavion Davenport Chi Chi DeVayne we will miss you! pic.twitter.com/Hicbi7rBsA

— Ongina (@ongina) August 20, 2020

The world has lost a true queen, with a true heart. Rest In Peace #ChiChidevayne

— Scarlet Envy (@ScarletEnvyNYC) August 20, 2020

❤️ Chi Chi was truly one of the most supportive queens. Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts, and try to work towards being the symbol of kindness that she exemplified for so many. We all love you and will miss you. pic.twitter.com/pOLjEN5pPJ

— Aquaria 🖤 (@aquariaofficial) August 20, 2020

❤️❤️❤️ an iconic queen literally everyone in our industry will always love. pic.twitter.com/UspJ3KzQaC

— Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel) August 20, 2020

💔 pic.twitter.com/VBVbOGQM35

— Bianca Del Rio (@TheBiancaDelRio) August 20, 2020