Further investigation is required into the death of RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne, according to a coroner, after postmortem examinations indicated an “unnatural” cause. The body of James Lee Williams, who performed as The Vivienne, was discovered at their residence in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester, on Sunday, January 5. An inquest was opened at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington during a brief hearing on Wednesday. The court was informed that Williams, 32, was found in their bathroom, and police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death.
Coroner’s officer Amanda Edgar reported that postmortem testing had been conducted, revealing “an unnatural cause of death.” Williams was identified by their father during the proceedings. Area coroner Victoria Davies stated, “Given the unnatural cause of death identified on postmortem testing, it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest into the death of James Lee Williams.” She noted that further investigations are necessary, and the case has been adjourned for a full inquest scheduled for June 30.
Williams, who grew up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, before relocating to Liverpool, was the winner of the inaugural series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and finished third in the 2023 season of Dancing On Ice. Their drag name was inspired by their admiration for the iconic British designer Vivienne Westwood. Following the announcement of their passing, RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage expressed her sorrow, stating she was “utterly heartbroken.” RuPaul remarked that the world had lost “an incredibly talented queen and a lovely human being.”
Contestants from the show, including Tia Kofi, Baga Chipz, and Cheryl, along with Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins, TV personality Kim Woodburn, and Coronation Street actress Claire Sweeney, attended Williams’ funeral in Denbighshire, North Wales, in February. Williams also portrayed the Wicked Witch of the West in a tour of The Wizard of Oz across the UK and Ireland and reprised the role in the West End in 2024. They were scheduled to return to the stage this month as the Childcatcher in a tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang, a role they first played last year.
