James Lee Williams, known to fans as The Vivienne and celebrated as RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s first winner, tragically passed away earlier this year at 32. The recent inquest revealed that a neighbor found Williams’ body in their bathtub after a friend grew concerned over missed contact. The court also learned that Williams had privately battled ketamine addiction, relapsing after a period of sobriety.
Williams had openly discussed addiction during the TV show, but their father said this was the first time the family heard about the issue. Neighbor Janine Godbold testified that she had spoken with Williams two days before and planned a shopping trip. When she later checked on them with her son, she found the house lit but empty of response. In the bathroom, she discovered Williams in the bath, seemingly asleep. Despite her efforts to help, paramedics confirmed Williams had been deceased for days.
The coroner concluded the death was accidental, caused by cardiac arrest linked to drug use, with no signs of suicide. This sad story highlights the hidden struggles behind the public persona of a talented artist who inspired many.
