The Vivienne was found by a neighbour in their bathtub after being dead ‘for a couple of days’, an inquest has heard.
The RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died aged 32 at home in Cheshire on January 5 this year, with their family revealing two months later that they died ‘from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest’.
An inquest on Monday morning heard that the star had been lying dead in the water for ‘a couple of days’ by the time they was found.
A forensic toxicologist added that there was a ‘relatively high’ level of ketamine in their system, which suggested ‘moderate to excessive use’ of the drug before their death, as reported by the Liverpool Echo.
The inquest was heard by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington, who said: ‘[Williams]did a lot for his community and he made a name for himself as a performing artist and as a drag artist as The Vivienne.
‘His family say he was very bold in pursuit of his dreams and that he made a difference… It is very important to the family that James is not remembered for his use of ketamine, because drugs don’t define the person he was.’
The coroner added: ‘On the balance of probabilities, I am satisfied that James Lee Williams’ death was a misadventure. He took ketamine but he did not intend to end his own life.’
The Vivienne was found dead in the bathroom of their home near Chester, the opening of the inquest was told, while police attended and confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
The last time anyone had contact with them was on the previous Friday evening, when their friend, Bobby Musker, told Warrington Coroner’s Court it was evident the entertainer had taken ketamine.
The inquest into their death heard that five drug snap bags were found in the property, including in a bedroom draw and a bin in the bathroom.
Speaking to the court, the late star’s sister Chanel said: ‘We acknowledge that James’ death is as a result of drug use but we wholeheartedly know that was not their intention.
‘They loved life, they loved their family and friends and they loved their career. We feel that the conclusion should be one of misadventure.’
During their time on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, The Vivienne opened up about their struggles with drug addiction.
The star, who was the show’s first ever winner in 2019, said on the programme at the time: ‘It was party, drugs, but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me.’
They added that their addiction was a ‘habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard’.
Speaking during Monday’s inquest, the BBC reports that The Vivienne’s dad Lee Williams revealed his son’s comments on Drag Race UK were the first the family heard about their addiction, while their immediate family were unaware of the relapse.
Mr Williams added: ‘He was just an outgoing character full-of-life. He just wanted to give people laughs and help them on the way, and I think in a way he achieved that.’
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The Government is seeking expert advice after illegal use of ketamine surged to record levels.
In the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 had reported use of the substance, which is controlled as class B, according to the Home Office.
The Vivienne’s funeral in North Wales was attended by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, as well as Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins, JLS singer Aston Merrygold, and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney.
After rising to fame on the BBC show, The Vivienne performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical.
Last year, they reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre, and before their death they were set to return to stage in March, reprising their role as the Childcatcher in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
In February, The Vivienne was posthumously honoured with an icon award at the inaugural Metro Pride Awards.
During the ceremony, Drag Race UK stars performed a sensational tribute to The Vivienne, lip-syncing to Dead or Alive’s You Spin Me Round (Like a Record), one of their favourite songs and choreographed by Drag Race UK star Cheryl.
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