CHESHIRE, June 30, 2025
The star’s death was ruled as “misadventure” after an inquest.
The Vivienne’s death, while caused by ketamine, was not intentional, the coroner ruled.
- The Vivienne, James Lee Williams, died at 32.
- The cause of death was cardio respiratory arrest due to ketamine use.
- An inquest ruled the death a “misadventure,” not suicide.
- Williams was known for winning the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK.
An inquest determined that the death of James Lee Williams, known as The Vivienne, was a “misadventure” caused by ketamine, meaning the 32-year-old’s death was accidental.
Details from the Inquest
The Warrington Coroner’s Court heard that five drug snap bags were discovered at Williams’s home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester. The locations included a bedroom drawer and a bathroom bin.
Police responded to the scene and determined there were no suspicious circumstances. According to the inquest, Williams’s friends and family had no concerns regarding the performer’s mental state. Williams was reportedly enthusiastic about upcoming roles in television and theater, despite “occasionally” using ketamine.
Family’s Plea
Williams’s family requested that the performer not be remembered solely for their use of the Class B drug. They emphasized that drugs did not define who they were.
Lee Williams, the performer’s father, described Williams as “an outgoing character who was full of life” and who “just wanted to make people laugh.”
“He achieved his goals. He had future goals he wanted to achieve. Along the way he always wanted to try to help his community, which he did and try to help other drag queens,” he added.
“He was always available. He never turned anybody down. He never turned his back on anybody. He never said no.” He continued, “He loved the stage, that’s where he saw the rest of his career being, on the stage, in the theatre. That’s what he loved to do.”
The Vivienne at the premiere of the film ‘Wicked’ in November 2024. Pic: AP
A Rising Star
Williams won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK in 2019. Williams was found dead at their home in Cheshire on January 5 of this year. Their family revealed in March that the cause of death was “from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest” to raise awareness of the drug’s dangers.
During their time on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Williams admitted to having been a drug addict for four years. “It was party, drugs, but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party, it was constant for me,” they said. They added that their addiction was a “habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard.”
The TV personality, who grew up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, before moving to Liverpool, came third in the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice.
Stage and Screen
Williams performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical and reprised the role in the West End at the Gillian Lynne Theatre last year. They were scheduled to return to the stage in March as the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role they initially played last year.
The funeral in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales, was attended by RuPaul’s Drag Race UK contestants Tia Kofi and Baga Chipz, along with Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins, TV personality Kim Woodburn, and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney.
Ketamine Use on the Rise
**Why is ketamine use a growing concern?** The government is reportedly seeking expert advice following a surge in the illegal use of ketamine. According to the Home Office, in the year ending March 2023, an estimated 299,000 people aged 16 to 59 reported using the substance, which is classified as a Class B drug.
