Chi Chi DeVayne, Popular 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34 RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia. Don't miss a beat. COVID-19 as the Underlying or Contributing Cause of Death "Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met.". [19][28], Celebrities including Padma Lakshmi,[21] Ross Mathews and Miss Coco Peru paid tribute to DeVayne. She was diagnosied with scleroderma back in 2018. It comes after she was hospitalised with pneumonia last week where she asked fans . But there was a side to Chi Chi whose non-stage name was Zavion that was very low-key. She was 34 . What's the least amount of exercise we can get away with? 'RuPaul's Drag Race' favorite Chi Chi DeVayne dies at 34 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - WFAA Week after week, she gave the show everything she had: back flips, front flips, lip-synching while twerking in an upside-down handstand. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died aged 34. As the disease progressed, all of the on-stage gymnastics Chi Chi was known for slowly began to slip through her fingers. There are several different types of scleroderma that can vary in severity. She had me in gymnastics, and I was in a dance company in my twenties. DeVayne is the second Drag Race contestant to have died since the shows 2009 inception. COVID-19-related MODS had a median time from ICU admission to death of 14 days (25th-75th IQR: 7-19 days), while only one death had occurred during the first 3 days since ICU admission. "Also show that there can be kindness out there in the world, even in these crazy times. The date and cause of death were not . "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. Scleroderma can come in different types, with different levels of seriousness. Chi Chi DeVayne: Tributes paid after RuPaul's Drag Race - ITV News "Our hearts are with all of Chi Chi's loved ones today," GLAAD continued. [33][34], Last edited on 27 February 2023, at 18:48, To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Scleroderma is a rare and incurable autoimmune disorder that causes a tightening of the skin and joints and a hardening of the internal organs. Former "Drag Race" contestant Peppermint tweeted a photo of DeVayne. The world lost a charismatic, fearless and inimitable star; I lost a dear friend. Show More Posts from chichidevayneofficial. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - TODAY.com How COVID-19 Deaths Are Counted. Muere Chi Chi DeVayne, estrella del reality de RuPaul's Drag Race Chi Chi DeVayne Dies: 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum Zavion - Deadline 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 . 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. She was truly a legendary queen. "I am literally so upset about Chichi!" The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. There seemed to be nothing she couldnt do. 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.". 'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - KHOU in 2016. Updated 22:41, 20 Aug 2020. In January 2022, the proportion of deaths with COVID-19 as the underlying cause of death was ~85%. But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. 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. Im thinking we should do a benefit show for her family to help with the costs of her funeral. Chi Chi DeVayne dead: RuPaul's Drag Race star dies aged 34; Everything has turned in a different direction. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada, which The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. 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. The death of DeVayne is just another rough moment for 2020. 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. closed in 2021. DeVayne was one of the most popular contestants on RuPaul's Drag Race TV show. She was previously treated in July for suspected kidney failure. But also, that desperate desire for connection has made "Drag Race" an even brighter rhinestone in the dark. The production company World of Wonder, which produces "RuPaul's Drag Race," also confirmed the news on its Twitter account. 480K followers. RuPaul, responding to news of DeVayne's death on Twitter[21][22], Davenport was openly gay. "A lot of people didn't have anyone to talk to or anywhere to go, anything to do. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". Who Is Chi Chi DeVayne? 'Drag Race' Star Dead At Age 34 - Hollywood Life In life years lost, COVID-19 outpaces other common causes of death in U Now today, this is where we are. Tributes have been paid to "kind and beautiful soul" Chi Chi DeVayne after the drag queen's death at the age of 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. Assault is the leading preventable cause of death, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and associated mental health problems. "[2] Davenport attended Fair Park High School, where he was a drum major in the marching band. 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). Part of HuffPost News. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared in the eighth . RuPaul's Drag Race Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead From Pneumonia - OK Magazine The moment we wrapped she turned around with tears in her eyes and said, I never thought Id have the chance to do that. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.". Assigning a cause of death is never straightforward, but data on excess deaths suggest coronavirus death tolls are likely an underestimate. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT, So much light, kindness, and creative talent. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne begged for prayers from her hospital bed. [5] DeVayne enjoyed using different shades of purple makeup. Check out these locals who made it on reality tv shows. She was diagnosied with scleroderma back in 2018. Julie Newmar, and the surname DeVayne came from the DeVayne drag family of Shreveport. Dog the Bounty Hunters daughter-in-law Jamie Chapman slams troll who accuses her of glamorizing diet and fitness, Fears for Britney as she thanks 'real fans' for support after losing conservatorship battle amid #FreeBritney campaign, Chi Chi DeVayne dead: RuPaul's Drag Race star dies of pneumonia at 34 after battle with scleroderma, Megan Thee Stallion accuses Tory Lanez of shooting her and begs rapper to stop lying as he faces assault charges', Imploding The Mirage is an album worthy of the Killers' reputation as one of worlds biggest bands, Kanye West lands in NYC 'without' wife Kim Kardashian to 'finish up' his latest album DONDA amid marriage crisis, RHONY's Leah McSweeney breaks down in tears as she admits to 'carrying a lot of guilt' for 'wild' past drinking habits. Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul.I love you Chi Chi. Emmys 2020: RuPaul Dedicates Award to Chi Chi DeVayne - PEOPLE.com She was taken to hospital in July - she told her followers on Instagram it was for kidney failure. According to EW, the artist was recently hospitalized with suspected kidney . RuPaul's Drag Race Fans Moved To Tears By Beautiful Chi Chi DeVayne But, a scleroderma diagnosis in 2018 created further division between Chi Chi and Zavion. Chi Chi DeVayne cause of death: how did Chi Chi die? - Metro CHI CHI DeVayne's death has left fans of RuPaul's Drag Race in mourning. Scleroderma is caused by the immune system attacking the connective tissue under the skin and around internal organs and blood vessels. [7] On July 17 of that year, he was rushed to the hospital with hypertension and scleroderma-related kidney failure. "Im heartbroken to hear about the loss of our beloved Chi Chi De Vayne," "Drag Race" judge Ross Matthews wrote on Twitter Thursday. It's crazy. Do you have a story to sell? By April 2022, it had declined to 60-70% and stayed at that level through September 2022. RuPaul paid tribute to DeVayne, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. . For other inquiries, Contact Us. Basically my biggest platform right now is to share love and joy to other people," she said. Rest in Power pic.twitter.com/a69JK8wvvT. Chi Chi DeVayne, season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Chi Chi had also been in and out of hospital following suspected kidney failure. "We're heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today," wrote World of Wonder. The performer's family confirmed the death Thursday on Instagram but did not . May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all., Chi Chi DeVaynes light will shine forever in all of our hearts. Cause of death: Complications from COVID-19. Chi Chi DeVayne, who appeared on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died at the age of 34. "She was a TRUE STAR and her legacy will live on forever.". Her first stint on RuPaul's Drag Race was aired in 2016, where she impressed the judges with her ingenuity and quick wit. And the show was there for them," she explained. 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'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Chi Chi DeVayne dead at 34 - WTHR RuPaul shares "the biggest lesson I learned" on "RuPaul," a daytime talk show airing in seven markets around the U.S. for three weeks. Drag Race star hospitalised with suspected kidney failure, RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne fights pneumonia in hospital, The TV personality, 34, begged fans to keep her in their prayers while she continued her fight against pneumonia, Chi Chi cemented her status as an international star. 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. The star also competed in the third series of the All Stars version of the series. Average life spans change with age as common causes of death shift over time. "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. In a series of Instagram videos, DeVayne said she had tested negative for COVID-19 but was believed to be suffering kidney failure."I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi . I loved the flamboyant and inimitable performances of the 'Drag Race' alum, just as I loved her quieter side off-stage. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost Canada. RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died. I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. 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). The talented drag star is thought to have passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Something went wrong, please try again later. 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. Chi Chi DeVayne - Wikipedia Chi Chi got to shine in the spotlight, only because Zavion was so dedicated to building her in private, while juggling two jobs in the service industry. Other RuPauls Drag Race veterans, including Peppermint and Sasha Velour, expressed their sympathy on social media. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPaul's Drag Race star - The Sun 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 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!. Chi Chi was the OG Unconventional Materials Queen who could literally spin trash into treasure and who gifted us with the greatest, most heartfelt, lip sync of all time with Jennifer Hollidays And I Am Telling You Im Not Going.. 'RuPaul's Drag Race's Chi Chi DeVayne, 34, dies after hospitalization "RuPaul's Drag Race" fans are mourning the death of drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne. My uncle used to stage talent shows with all us cousins, and my mom saw something in me. A study published in The Lancet studied the patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19 . 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. "I loved Chi Chi and I always told her so because… how could you not? 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. DeVayne began her drag career in her native Shreveport, Louisiana, where she was known locally prior to her 2016 debut on Drag Race. Photo: Santiago Felipe/Getty. "Keep me in your prayers," she said in a video message to her fans. Longtime drag queen Miss Coco Peru remembered DeVayne's laugh. She was a star & without her the world has less sparkle. Unfortunately, fan favorite Chi Chi DeVayne -- arguably the best performer out of this season's crop of girls -- didn't make the cut. The cause of death was not immediately reported. The drag queen, whose real name was . Chi Chi DeVayne The RuPaul's Drag Race alum died at age 34 after battling pneumonia, scleroderma and other health problems. "And so I was like, hopefully things will turn around. You can unsubscribe at any time. Chi Chi DeVayne finished in fourth place on Season 8 of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and soon began performing around the world. The drag queen, whose real name was . The TV personality, 34, returned to hospital with pneumonia just days ago after she had a short stay with suspected kidney failure in July. Dialysis is a procedure to remove excess water and toxins in the blood from kidneys not performing normally. 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. She still had so much left to do. August 20, 2020 2:55pm. Chi Chi DeVayne, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Contestant, Dies at 34 - TheWrap 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. 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. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Star Chi Chi DeVayne Dead At 34 So just trying to be a beacon of light in these times has been the main focal point of my platform right now.". See All . Earlier this year, Chi Chi lip-synched in the final scene of an episode I made for the anthology series Little America, called The Son. She fought through her pain at the time to deliver a chilling performance that shook the entire cast and crew. RuPauls Drag Race star Chi Chi Devayne has died at age 34. We use your sign-up to provide content in the ways you've consented to and improve our understanding of you. Yesterday, a source confirmed to Entertainment Weekly, the drag queen has sadly died, aged just 34. "[12], DeVayne was interviewed on RuPaul's podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee? But she didnt surprise me. This season of "Drag Race" premiered only a few weeks before lockdown began, making it impossible for this batch of new queens to really lean into their newfound celebrity. Zavion Davenport, best known as Chi Chi DeVayne, has died at age 34, Zavion's mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN. 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. The Louisiana native (real name Zavion Michael . 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. The symptoms of scleroderma can usually be controlled by a range of different treatments. "She had a natural, God-given light within her & she shared it with all of us on Drag Race. American drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, died Thursday at 34. Chi Chi was constantly discouraged from going public about her condition for fear it would limit bookings. When she walked through the door, she was nothing like I expected. RuPaul's Drag Race's Chi Chi DeVayne begs for prayers in - mirror Drag Race star disqualified after catfishing claims, Street fighting in Bakhmut but Russia not in control, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims. 2023 BBC. "Such I caring, empathetic and beautiful soul. The cause of death was not immediately reported. "I think it's given us a closer connection to the fans because they they've been so active with us online," Closet said. "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. The show's host RuPaul mourned her passing. "All other causes" includes liver disease/cirrhosis, bloodstream infections, hypertension, Parkinson's disease . A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT. 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, a popular contestant from the competition reality series"RuPaul's Drag Race," has died following a recenthospitalizationfor pneumonia. 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'. I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. Obsessed with true crime shows? Follow. Cause of death: COVID-19-related complications. RuPaul, the television personality for . Your culture and entertainment cheat-sheet. Her loss is devastating. 'RuPaul's Drag Race' stars remember Chi Chi DeVayne, reflect on record 08/20/2020. rest in power". Rest in Power. He had a sister, Brittany; a brother, DaRico Wyandon; and two half-brothers, Zachary and Zamien Willis. 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. RuPaul Leads Chi Chi DeVayne Tributes After Drag Star's Death One Year In: How Covid's Toll Compares With Other Causes of Death I feel like that first of all and her dancing toes. DeVayne, real name Zavion Davenport, was hospitalized last month with an . As Chi Chi DeVayne, the performer rose to national prominence on Season 8 of RuPauls Drag Race in 2016, returning two years later for RuPauls Drag Race: All-Stars. Earlier this year, she appeared on the Apple TV+ series Little America., She spoke of her interest in branching out into a variety of artistic mediums in a 2016 interview with HuffPost, saying she ultimately wanted to be known as a damn good performer that came from nowhere and took the world by storm., I think people are becoming more receptive to the alternative styles of drag, she said. The news came days after the performer, known offstage as . The cause of death was not immediately reported. Imeh Akpanudosen/Getty Images. Now Trump proposals threaten their hopes of U.S. asylum.