The inquest into the death of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star The Vivienne heard that the star had a “relatively high” level of ketamine in their system at the time of death.
The star, whose real name was James Lee Williams, died in January at the age of 32.
The inquest was opened and adjourned in February after coroner’s officer Amanda Edgar was told the star was found dead in the bathroom of their home. “Post-mortem testing has been undertaken, identifying an unnatural cause of death,” she said at the time.
Now, the Liverpool Echo has reported that forensic toxicologist Dr Kerry Taylor told Cheshire Coroner’s Court on Monday morning (30 June) that James had a “relatively high” level of ketamine in their body at the time of death, suggesting “moderate to excessive use at some point prior to death”.
Ketamine, versions of which have been prescribed for depression, can lead to drowsiness, seizures and cardiac effects, Taylor added.
Pathologist Dr David Butterworth, who carried out the post-mortem said: “In my opinion, the cause of death was cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use,” the newspaper went on to report.
James’ sister Chanel told the court: “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.”
The star’s father, Lee, told the proceedings that his son had a “quiet and private life,” adding: “He never turned his back on anyone. He wanted to help his community, to help other drag queens achieve their goals.”
A friend and neighbour said The Vivienne was “amazing,” adding that the pair has become “really good friends” before she knew of the star’s fame.
Best friend Bobby Muske is reported to have said: “James was the kindest person I knew. He would help everyone, he would help charities, do gigs for nothing. He supported Sahir House a lot, an Aids charity in Liverpool.
“He was fiery sometimes. If he wanted to do something, he was going to do it. That was the way he was.”
The coroner said the medical cause of death would be recorded as cardio-respiratory arrest due to ketamine use.
Delivering her verdict, Edgar 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.”
Police had been called to the performer’s home in Chorlton-by-Backford, Cheshire, on 5 January, but it was likely that James died on Friday evening and was not found and pronounced dead until the Sunday. The toxicology results showed that there was still a fairly high amount of ketamine in James’ system when they were found, suggesting an “acute overdose”, she added.
When news of The Vivienne’s death broke, her publicist Simon Jones described the drag performer as “incredibly loved.”
The star’s death was met with a wave of grief and shock and the family said they had been overwhelmed by the love and support at a vigil later that month.
RuPaul took a moment to honour the queen during DragCon UK in January, saying: “We want to focus on love, and we are going to remember our dear The Vivienne with love, life, happiness, because that’s what she was all about.”
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