The Vivienne died of ‘unnatural cause’ after being found dead in bathroom at home as inquest opens
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner The Vivienne was found dead in their bathroom, with an inquest revealing an “unnatural cause of death”, a coroner heard today.
An inquest into the 32-year-old’s death was opened and adjourned at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington on Wednesday.
James Lee Williams, who performed as the drag queen, was found dead at their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester.
Coroner’s officer Amanda Edgar told the hearing Williams was found dead in the bathroom, with police confirming there were no suspicious circumstances.
Ms Edgar said: “Post-mortem testing has been undertaken, identifying an unnatural cause of death.”
The hearing, which lasted two minutes, was told Williams was identified by their father, Lee Williams.
Area coroner Victoria Davies said: “Given the unnatural cause of death identified on post-mortem testing it is appropriate for me to formally open the inquest.”
She added that further investigations are required. The case was adjourned with a full inquest listed for June 30.
The brief hearing was attended by four members of the press, with no family or friends present.
Williams, who grew up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, before moving to Liverpool, won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in Dancing On Ice 2023.
The star performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of The Wizard Of Oz musical, later reprising the role in London’s West End.
They were due to be back on stage this month as the Childcatcher in the tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks was announced as taking over the Childcatcher roles for shows in April and May.
Born in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, Williams moved to Liverpool aged 16 to pursue a career as a makeup artist.
Initially working on a Debenhams beauty counter, they earned their nickname The Vivienne for regularly wearing Vivienne Westwood clothing while developing their drag career.
Williams starred in BBC Three’s The Vivienne Takes On Hollywood and appeared on Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted For Stand Up To Cancer.
Their funeral, held in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, North Wales, was attended by fellow Drag Race UK stars, Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins and TV personalities.
The Vivienne’s coffin, topped with a white floral arrangement, arrived at the church in a horse-drawn carriage.
Floral tributes in another hearse read “Vivienne”, “Son” and “James”, with a purple witch’s hat design honouring their Wizard of Oz role.
The crown and sceptre The Vivienne won on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK were carried into the church ahead of their coffin.
Publicist Simon Jones announced Williams’ death, describing them as an “incredibly loved, warm-hearted and amazing person” who brought light to every room.
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RuPaul’s Drag Race judge Michelle Visage called Williams’ death “heartbreaking”, praising their laughter, wit, talent and friendship in a touching Instagram tribute.
Cheshire Police said officers were called to the address in Chorlton-by-Backford at 12:22pm on January 5 following reports of a sudden death.
A review hearing was scheduled for May 5, ahead of the full inquest at Cheshire Coroner’s Court in Warrington.
The full inquest will take place on June 30, overseen by senior coroner Jacqueline Devonish at Cheshire Coroner’s Court.