Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Assigning a cause of death is never straightforward, but data on excess deaths suggest coronavirus death tolls are likely an underestimate. Celeb obsessed? August 20, 2020. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared in the eighth . ", Bianca Del Rio 'daunted, excited' for Wembley gig. So sad and heartbroken to hear of the passing of #chichidevayne youll be loved and missed sis! That charismatic personality and fearlessness we all saw on TV was noticeably muted out of drag. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. RuPaul, the television personality for . The reality star was wearing a hospital gown during her latest Instagram update. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. 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. "Also show that there can be kindness out there in the world, even in these crazy times. "Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon.". [9] The BBC called her lip sync to "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going", through which she eliminated fellow contestant Thorgy Thor, "iconic in Drag Race history". "Her laugh alone was enough to win my heart, but there was so much to her that won me over," she wrote on Twitter. She finished in eighth place. WATCH: Chi Chis get-well-soon message in the fourth slide below. found a typed note on a hospital desk in recent days urging them to "try not to write respiratory failure caused by Covid" as the primary cause of death . Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? RuPauls Drag Race shifted the landscape of drag, pulling talented queens from their local bars and catapulting them into international stardom. [7] In March 2018, she was a part of Max Emerson's series Drag Babies, which was hosted by Bob the Drag Queen. I love you Chi Chi. ", "Absolutely," Closet, 24, agreed. She was 34 years old. Family members confirmed DeVayne's death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. Knowing that she is such a beloved person, it speaks to me," Closet said. The classically trained dancer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was 34. Longtime drag queen Miss Coco Peru remembered DeVayne's laugh. So the kindness of her and the sweetness is truly a thing that will live on.". U.S. deaths from COVID-19 so far, compared to top 10 U.S. causes of death in 2019. The TV personality, 34, returned to hospital with pneumonia just days ago after she had a short stay with suspected kidney failure in July. I feel like that first of all and her dancing toes. RuPaul is paying tribute to Drag Race queen Chi Chi Devayne, who died at the age of 34 in August. "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. Obsessed with true crime shows? They fled homophobic violence. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which 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. rest in power.". That laugh of hers was the sound of her beautiful spirit. But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. Do you have a story to sell? Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. 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. "I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. Days ago, DeVayne posted a brief video from a hospital bed after being readmitted due to pneumonia. August 21, 2020 - 12:16 BST Emmy Griffiths. Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. DeVayne said of the experience: "It changed everything in my life. According to EW, the artist was recently hospitalized with suspected kidney . 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. This year, the tone of her posts took a turn when the entertainer began giving medical updates. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. Love RuPaul's Drag Race? Chi Chi DeVayne, season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. It's a sad day in the drag world. "[2] Davenport attended Fair Park High School, where he was a drum major in the marching band. Day 22: This is the median amount of days it takes for COVID-19 survivors to be released from hospital. . Chi Chi's lip sync to Dreamgirls' And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is also considered iconic in Drag Race history. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT. By April 2022, it had declined to 60-70% and stayed at that level through September 2022. Chi Chi DeVayne The RuPaul's Drag Race alum died at age 34 after battling pneumonia, scleroderma and other health problems. Another wrote: "The legacy that chi chi has left in our community is everlasting. Later in 2018 DeVayne was diagnosed with scleroderma, a condition that attacks the internal organs. RuPaul returns to daytime TV for summer test run. ", English drag queen Cheryl Hole, who appeared on "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," tweeted that DeVayne "was such a light during her season and beyond. If you have questions or concerns, 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. "Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne," "Drag Race" judge Ross Matthews wrote on Twitter Thursday. Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything!Julie Newmar, and the surname DeVayne came from the DeVayne drag family of Shreveport. [3] In an interview on RuPaul's Drag Race, he said, "Girl, I've seen people shot. In a photo posted to Chi Chi's Instagram story this week, the performer said: "Hey guys, Im back in. She was previously treated in July for suspected kidney failure. "All other causes" includes liver disease/cirrhosis, bloodstream infections, hypertension, Parkinson's disease . The American drag queen, real name Zavion Davenport, revealed that while she'd tested negative . 541 posts. Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. Mortality in the most affected countries. See today's front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive. RuPaul, responding to news of DeVayne's death on Twitter[21][22], Davenport was openly gay. 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. Olivia Attwood praises best pal Georgia Harrison as 'brave and dignified' after Stephen Bear jailed for sharing sex tape, Peter Andre reveals strict rule for daughter Princess's career after she teams up with fashion brand, Where cast of Flipper are now - from hilarious run-in with the Queen to Breaking Bad fame & star with 14 kids by 4 mums, Stephen Bears fiance Jessica Smith vows to stick with him 'through thick and thin' after shamed reality star is jailed, Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Zavion (Chi Chi went by both names and flipped between she/her and he/him comfortably) looked boyishly conservative in a backwards hat and high tops, but it was his timid demeanour that surprised me most. Chi Chi, whose non-stage name was Zavion Davenport, appeared on season eight of the show, as well as season three of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Chi Chi DeVayne, the drag superstar who rose to fame on RuPaul's Drag Race, is reportedly dead at 34. Many viewers didn't peg her as a front runner but, as the weeks progressed . Chi Chi DeVayne dead :Chi Chi's cause of death is yet to be revealed (Image: GETTY) READ MORE. [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". So much joy so much light. At conservative gathering, Trump is still the favourite. 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. Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty. Express. She explained earlier on: "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". At the time of this brief, COVID-19 is on track to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for the third year in a row. He also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from fans and colleagues, and he stated that he was undergoing dialysis treatment. Rest in Power. During his acceptance speech for outstanding host for a . One user wrote: "chi chi devayne was a powerhouse. 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). [7] Many fellow Drag Race contestants also expressed condolences; these included Aja, Alexis Mateo, Alexis Michelle,[22] Aquaria,[10] BeBe Zahara Benet,[22] Bianca Del Rio,[10] Cheryl Hole,[7] Detox,[27] Farrah Moan,[22] Heidi N Closet,[21] India Ferrah,[22] Jaida Essence Hall,[29] Kennedy Davenport, Mont X Change, Nina Bo'nina Brown, Ongina, Pandora Boxx,[22] Peppermint,[7][25] Priyanka,[22] Roxxxy Andrews,[21] Shea Coule,[22][25] Tatianna,[27] Trinity the Tuck,[7] Trixie Mattel[10] and The Vivienne. Check out these locals who made it on reality tv shows. |. 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. Its just showing people that it doesnt matter drag is drag and your talent is whats going to carry you through.. the reality star continued. ET. The production company World of Wonder, which produces "RuPaul's Drag Race," also confirmed the news on its Twitter account. Scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. She was an easy person to like: someone who found pleasure in surprisingly down-to-earth things like gardening and her cat, Maddox, whom she would watch on her security cam when she was out of town. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia.The cause of death is pending an autopsy . RuPaul's Drag Race Chi Chi DeVayne, has passed away at the age of 34. Meet Karine Jean-Pierre, the out lesbian serving as Kamala Harris' chief of staff. 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. This informed their likability and lovability as fan favorites. Baga Chipz teases Celebrity MasterChef disaster, Canadas Drag Race star Ilona Verley talks her exit from the show, Councils apology after outraged parents slam drag queen school visit, Michelle Visage speaks out on major show change amid 'curse' worries. Follow. My uncle used to stage talent shows with all us cousins, and my mom saw something in me. She was diagnosied with scleroderma back in 2018. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. Zavion Michael Davenport was born on September 24, 1985, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Alberteen Wyandon and Zan Davenport III. Her talent was incomparable. Cause of death: Complications from COVID-19. It is thought that Chi Chis condition was a result of a diagnosis she had received in 2018 for scleroderma. ", "With COVID and all of the ways the world has literally been falling apart at the seams in 2020 and the way that 'Drag Race' in a lot of ways held so many people together, it connected people who were so far apart. The show's host RuPaul mourned her passing. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all., Chi Chi DeVaynes light will shine forever in all of our hearts. Contestants on the show perform lip syncs when they are at risk of elimination. The symptoms of scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments. Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon. DeVayne was one of the most popular contestants on RuPaul's Drag Race TV show. Chi Chi DeVayne has died of pneumonia. People are battling anxiety and depression right now. She was 34. News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Rest in Power! Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Family members confirmed DeVaynes death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The Southern drag queen with an effervescent personality, one-of-a-kind fashions and impressive dance skills was a contestant on the eighth season of the show and the third season of the spin-off, RuPauls Drag Race All Stars.. Zavion Michael Davenport (September 24, 1985 August 20, 2020), better known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, was an American drag queen and reality television personality who came to international attention on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective against severe disease and death, even as new variants, including Omicron, have emerged. By Kathryn Ingate 21:37, Thu, Aug 20, 2020 | UPDATED: 23: . DeVayne's death was announced on August 20, 2020. People from all around the world were so excited about this season," Hall added. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". Im heartbroken. How COVID-19 Deaths Are Counted. She was 34. ", So much joy so much light. [7], The finale episode of RuPaul's Drag Race season 13the first to air after DeVayne's deathcontained a tribute segment wherein RuPaul and several former contestants shared memories of DeVayne's life and work. DeVayne's first stint on RuPaul's Drag Race was aired in 2016, where she impressed the judges with her ingenuity and quick wit. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Read about our approach to external linking. Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved drag queen who shot to fame on the RuPauls Drag Race franchise, died Thursday in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. More info. (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images) Justin Townes Earle. "I am literally so upset about Chichi!" It's so entertaining, and the entertainment value from the show is just one of those things that we really, really needed in a time when people were just locked away at home.". "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. But, a scleroderma diagnosis in 2018 created further division between Chi Chi and Zavion. The TV personality, 34, returned to hospital with pneumonia just days ago after she had a short stay with . [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". "Honestly, because we were there when drama did happen at the beginning of the season, I was like, 'Oh girl, this is still gonna be a great season,' because we knew the work that we poured into it," she explained. 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 had a natural, God-given light within her & she shared it with all of us on Drag Race. RuPaul's Drag Race's Chi Chi DeVayne made a plea to fans to pray for her while she battled with pneumonia in a hospital bed. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' contestant Sherry Pie disqualified over catfishing allegations. closed in 2021. It has since been updated. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, revealed in early . 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 . The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. DeVayne has died at age 34. 4 According to provisional data, in 2020, there were notable changes in the number and ranking of deaths compared with 2019. Before filming, the incoming Ru-Girls typically incur a massive personal debt to hire designers and buy materials to prepare for the shows gruelling challenges. Following the death of the popular drag queen, RuPaul, host of the reality show . There seemed to be nothing she couldnt do. RuPaul's Drag Race Chi Chi DeVayne star has died at the age of just 34. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne Dead: 5 Things About The 'RuPaul's Drag Race Star' Who Tragically Passed Away At 34. Sahara Davenport, who appeared on the shows second season, died in 2012 at age 27. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. We all love you and will miss you. The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race also paid tribute with a statement from RuPaul. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, known for her drag-on-a-dime craftiness and Southern Belle persona, has died at age 34. The drag queen, whose real name was . Last year, at a time when getting into drag had become more of a challenge, the minute she found out my mother went into hospital, she leapt into quick-drag to record a video message to help lift Moms spirits. Updated 22:41, 20 Aug 2020. Get a daily dose of showbiz gossip direct to your inbox.