READ MORECanadas Drag Race star Ilona Verley talks her exit from the show. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. 480K followers. Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul. "Her laugh alone was enough to win my heart, but there was so much to her that won me over," she wrote on Twitter. Rest in Power! [11][27] He died on August 20, 2020, at the age of 34. By the time a U.S. adult lives to 65, they are unlikely to die . She was 34. Ru Paul paid tribute to Chi Chi DeVayne's "kind and beautiful soul", Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. This informed their likability and lovability as fan favorites. The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race also paid tribute with a statement from RuPaul. Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images. Its just showing people that it doesnt matter drag is drag and your talent is whats going to carry you through.. Some types are relatively mild and may eventually improve on their own, while others can lead to severe and life-threatening problems. If any of my sisters see this and are interested please let me know.". Canada's Drag Race: Who left Drag Race? Corrections and clarifications: An earlierversion of this story had an incorrect title for Joe Patterson and diagnosis date for DeVayne. She finished in eighth place. She was a star & without her the world has less sparkle. It's crazy. On what they're doing with their newfound fame, Closet says she's pushing the Black Lives Matter movement towards the forefront of her platform. DeVayne's death was announced on August 20, 2020. Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. "I do look forward to the day that we are able to go and show them all what we can do in-person," she added. The performer's family confirmed the death Thursday on Instagram but did not . More info. The cause of death was not immediately reported. There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. Something went wrong, please try again later. [7] In March 2018, she was a part of Max Emerson's series Drag Babies, which was hosted by Bob the Drag Queen. Per Variety, season 12 of RuPauls Drag Race was the highest rated season in the shows history. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. DeVayne is the second Drag Race contestant to have died since the shows 2009 inception. Followers of the 34-year-old star are shocked to hear of her sad passing - here is what we know. Rest In Peace now my beautiful sister #chichidevayne im heart broken. "So I feel like it's really given us that chance to become really close with them because when we're not always up in the air touring and going around everywhere. RuPaul has broken his silence following the death of former RuPaul's . 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, whose off-stage name was Zavion Davenport told . RuPaul has paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was heartbroken to learn of her death. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. The glamorous star often shared details of performances and travels around the world, as well asbehind-the-scenes footage, on social media. Knowing that she is such a beloved person, it speaks to me," Closet said. August 20, 2020 2:55pm. Zavion explained that in Shreveport, where he grew up and first made a name for himself locally as a Black drag performer, there was no room to express femininity out of drag, not even by putting on sparkly pink socks. So just trying to be a beacon of light in these times has been the main focal point of my platform right now.". 480k Followers, 1,143 Following, 541 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial) chichidevayneofficial. The news came days after the performer, known offstage as . 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. 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. 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. 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. 5 COVID-19 was the third leading cause of death in 2020, with an estimated 345 323 deaths, and was largely responsible for the . Scleroderma is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. Basically my biggest platform right now is to share love and joy to other people," she said. 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. 2 min read. Published on September 20, 2020 11:20 PM. She finished in fourth place, but was invited to take part in the spin-off show RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which aired at the beginning of 2018. At the time, I was working in New Orleans, doing research for the Queer As Folk reboot, for which one of the lead roles was written specifically for Chi Chi. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul," he said in a statement, posted on the show's Twitter account. She was 34. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high . She was taken to hospital in July - she told her followers on Instagram it was for kidney failure. 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. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she was to undergo dialysis treatment. [EXPLAINER]Canadas Drag Race star Ilona Verley talks her exit from the show[VIDEO]Councils apology after outraged parents slam drag queen school visit[INSIGHT], "she spoke up for all the disheartened poor kids, and she dominated every stage she set foot on. DeVayne, real name Zavion Davenport, was hospitalized last month with an . The date and cause of death were not . Chi Chi DeVayne is being remembered by her numerous fans. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she had catheters to her heart and kidneys surgically installed before undergoing dialysis . 2023 BBC. Backflips and drop splits were now out of the question even just putting on a pair of tights or getting on stage was sometimes a struggle. Im sending love to her family, her friends and her fans. Canada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. As I sat across the table, I remember how perplexed he was by my sparkly pink socks. The top global causes of death, in order of total number of lives lost, are associated with three broad topics: cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease, stroke), respiratory (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections) and neonatal conditions - which include birth asphyxia and birth trauma, neonatal sepsis and infections, and preterm birth complications. Cause of death: COVID-19-related complications. DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. [7], DeVayne competed on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, which began airing on March 7, 2016. The classically trained dancer, known . The moment we wrapped she turned around with tears in her eyes and said, I never thought Id have the chance to do that. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN . Scleroderma is a rare and incurable autoimmune disorder that causes a tightening of the skin and joints and a hardening of the internal organs. If that's not outstanding and show the power of what television can do for people, I don't know what else can.". 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. August 20, 2020 2:55pm. She was truly a legendary queen. RuPaul, the host of the eponymous reality show, remembered DeVayne in a statement provided to USA TODAY on Thursday. Certain site features have been disabled. youtu.be/0D9LWfp89QQ. Davenport was diagnosed with scleroderma in 2018 and, two years later, he died following a bout of pneumonia he contracted after a hospital stay for scleroderma-related kidney failure. Chi Chi was incredibly kind and caring to her friends and family, even while battling pain and decreased mobility. They fled homophobic violence. The drag queen, whose real name was . Another wrote: "The legacy that chi chi has left in our community is everlasting. rest in power". rest in power.". Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, known for her drag-on-a-dime craftiness and Southern Belle persona, has died at age 34. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. 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. [24][25] This prompted fans and fellow Drag Race contestants to initiate fundraising efforts for his medical bills. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. The risk of death was higher for survivors of severe COVID-19 than for the uninfected (hazard ratio [HR], 2.50) and those who were mildly ill (HR, 1.87). In July, DeVayne was admitted to the hospital for a biopsy after suspected kidney failure. Her loss is devastating. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on patterns of interpersonal violence across the world. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". 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. "Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul. We were sitting at home during our season, watching along with them, and it gave us that time to talk and chat with them and really make those connections. Her talent was incomparable. Dialysis is a procedure to remove excess water and toxins in the blood from kidneys not performing normally. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, revealed in early . U.S. deaths from COVID-19 so far, compared to top 10 U.S. causes of death in 2019. Aug 21, 2020, 04:25 PM EDT. Keep me in your prayers, Ill be back soon. Chi Chi Devayne Courtesy of VH1. As the disease progressed, all of the on-stage gymnastics Chi Chi was known for slowly began to slip through her fingers. Chi Chi DeVayne Dead: 5 Things About The 'RuPaul's Drag Race Star' Who Tragically Passed Away At 34. 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. 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. Scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. I love you Chi Chi. She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. ", Bianca Del Rio 'daunted, excited' for Wembley gig. By Kathryn Ingate 21:37, Thu, Aug 20, 2020 | UPDATED: 23: . Aug. 20 2020, Updated 11:19 p.m. Drag Race fans have been left saddened by the news that drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne died on Thursday, August 20. Family members confirmed DeVayne's death on Instagram, but did not disclose the cause. "[2] Davenport attended Fair Park High School, where he was a drum major in the marching band. 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. pic.twitter.com/pOLjEN5pPJ. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". [16] DeVayne then appeared on the third season of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars, which premiered on January 25, 2018. RuPaul's Drag Race Chi Chi DeVayne star has died at the age of just 34. The condition sees the immune system attack the tissue under the skin as well as around internal organs and blood vessels. Two-time "RuPaul's Drag Race" contestant Chi Chi DeVayne has died at the age of 34, TheWrap has confirmed. 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. DON'T MISSCanada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? Before, I was just like, 'What's a good job that I could get here in town, working in a factory?'. [2] Prior to appearing on Drag Race, Davenport worked two nine-to-five jobs to support himself. The cause of death was not immediately reported. The classically trained dancer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was 34. ", Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne. "Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne," "Drag Race" judge Ross Matthews wrote on Twitter Thursday. [7] On July 17 of that year, he was rushed to the hospital with hypertension and scleroderma-related kidney failure. Theres no cure, but most people with the condition can lead a full, normal life, with symptoms usually controlled by a range of different treatments. The symptoms of scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments. She served as a drag mentor alongside Peppermint and Shuga Cain. RuPaul, the television personality for . Unfortunately, fan favorite Chi Chi DeVayne -- arguably the best performer out of this season's crop of girls -- didn't make the cut. August 20, 2020. Julie Newmar, "Chi Chi DeVayne, Popular 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34", "Chi Chi DeVayne was wounded, but Drag Race helped her heal", "Sashay Away: Chi Chi DeVayne on Country Swag, Southern Drag, and Getting Paid", "You Have to See Chi Chi DeVayne Make the Case For Purple Makeup", "RuPaul's Drag Race season 8 queens and premiere date revealed", "Last Words: Chi Chi DeVayne Reflects On Her Time On 'RuPaul's Drag Race', "RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne dead aged 34", "Chi Chi DeVayne talks life-changing 'Drag Race' experience", "Chi Chi DeVayne launches holiday tour before RuPaul Drag Race All Stars", "Instagram Star Max Emerson's "Drag Babies" Set to Premiere", "Chi Chi DeVayne Dies: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum Zavion Davenport Was 34", "RuPaul and More React to the Death of 'Drag Race' Star Chi Chi DeVayne", "RuPaul's Drag Race royalty Chi Chi DeVayne has been rushed to hospital with suspected kidney failure", "Chi Chi DeVayne 'Overwhelmed' by 'Outpouring of Love' Since Being Hospitalised", "RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne readmitted to hospital following pneumonia diagnosis", "RuPaul's Drag Race stars pay heartfelt, tender tribute to the late, great Chi Chi DeVayne: 'Rest in perfection', "RuPaul's Drag Race Fans Moved To Tears By Beautiful Chi Chi DeVayne Tribute", "Queer as Folk creator on how late Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne inspired reboot", "Check Out Chi Chi DeVayne in the First Trailer for Apple TV+ Series 'Little America', "World of Wonder release The Realness video featuring the late Chi Chi DeVayne", "Ginger Minj serves 'Gummy Bear' realness in new video for her, "LA Revival of 'Women Behind Bars' Release Their First Cinematic Trailer! We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Many viewers didn't peg her as a front runner but, as the weeks progressed . pic.twitter.com/ijeOsTrT3g, Davenport was born in Shreveport in 1985 and grew up studying classical dance. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.. Chi Chi was cautious around me at first because I was white (she described a strong cultural divide in Shreveport). "A lot of people didn't have anyone to talk to or anywhere to go, anything to do. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? We became fast friends, and our friendship deepened as we travelled from New Orleans, Chicago and L.A. to Montreal together, while working on various projects, both independently and together. Im thinking we should do a benefit show for her family to help with the costs of her funeral. 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. Chi Chi was constantly discouraged from going public about her condition for fear it would limit bookings. She was 34 years old. She was 34. She posted on Instagram last week that she was in hospital for a chronic condition - the second time this year. Day 22: This is the median amount of days it takes for COVID-19 survivors to be released from hospital. Competing on Drag Race Season 8, and then again in the All-Stars Season 3, finally allowed Chi Chi to support herself full-time as a drag artist (as well as supporting some of her friends and family). She still had so much left to do. 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. Week after week, she gave the show everything she had: back flips, front flips, lip-synching while twerking in an upside-down handstand. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT. Fatal ischemic events (venous or arterial) occurred in 13% of the cases. She was previously treated in July for suspected kidney failure. The date and cause of death were not . So much joy so much light. Kyne reveals all, Chi Chi DeVayne dead: Fans have paid tribute to Chi Chi on social media. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. She was 34 . The death of DeVayne is just another rough moment for 2020. Chi Chi DeVayne World of Wonder. You can unsubscribe at any time. (She was also constantly on watch to see who was stealing her mail it was almost compulsive!) (Photo: Bennett Raglin/Getty Images) Justin Townes Earle. Why Alex Murdaugh was spared the death penalty, Why Trudeau is facing calls for a public inquiry, The shocking legacy of the Dutch 'Hunger Winter'. American drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, died Thursday at 34. It comes after she was hospitalised with pneumonia last week where she asked fans . Chi Chi DeVayne finished in fourth place on Season 8 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and soon began performing around the world. 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. But she didnt surprise me. CHI CHI DEVAYNE - who was best known for starring in RuPaul's Drag Race - has died at the age of 34 after battling pneumonia in hospital. COVID-19 vaccines continue to be highly effective against severe disease and death, even as new variants, including Omicron, have emerged. Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul.I love you Chi Chi. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all., Chi Chi DeVaynes light will shine forever in all of our hearts. Her drag mothers were Kourtni DeVayne and Lady Phat Kat. 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. DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." That has definitely been a plus for us.". She had been hospitalised in mid August 2020 amid complications from her scleroderma diagnosis. She had completely surprised herself. But when Chi Chi DeVayne, the luminescent swamp-queen from Shreveport, La., first emerged into the werkroom in 2016, wearing a garbage bag shed sculpted with her own hands into a gorgeous couture gown, she made a powerful statement: It doesnt matter what you have or where you come from, its what you do with it that counts On Thursday, after being hospitalized for several days, Chi Chi died of pneumonia at age 34. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died aged 34. Chi Chi had also been in and out of hospital following suspected kidney failure. People from all around the world were so excited about this season," Hall added. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, ChiChi died after being admitted into hospital, Chi Chi is known for RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars.