The Vivienne’s cause of death has been revealed after the beloved drag queen died on January 5 at the age of 32.

Real name James Lee Williams, the performer’s body was found in the bathroom of their home in Chorlton-by-Backford, near Chester.

Williams’ manager, Simon Jones, later issued a statement to confirm the tragic news, describing the RuPaul’s Drag Race champion as an ‘incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person.’

Now, Jones, also a long-time friend of the late star, has shared that Williams died ‘from the effects of ketamine use causing a cardiac arrest.’

He added to Attitude: ‘I hope that by us releasing this information, we can raise awareness about the dangers of ongoing ketamine usage and what it can do to your body.

‘Ketamine usage is on the rise, particularly amongst young people, and I don’t think the full dangers of the drug are being discussed.’

The confirmation comes after an inquest was opened by area coroner Victoria Davies on February 12.

Davies stated that further investigation was required into the circumstances surrounding Williams’ death, adjourning the inquest until June 30.

Williams spoke openly about their drug addiction struggles throughout their public life.

In a 2019 episode of Drag Race, they bravely discussed battling addiction for four years, citing the demands of being a drag entertainer as part of the reasons behind it.

‘I was a drug addict for four years of my life. It was party drugs, but I couldn’t leave the drugs at the party,’ they told the camera.

‘It was constant for me.’

Speaking to fellow contestants, Williams admitted that much of their drug use stemmed from ‘boredom’ as they worked ‘seven nights a week’ and ‘didn’t do anything’ during the day.

‘It was just a habit that caught on a bit too quick and a bit too hard.’

Williams described the depths of their addiction as ‘the loneliest part of [their] life’, adding: ‘I was killing myself and my family don’t even know.’

Determined to ‘sort [their] act out,’ Williams moved to Spain, which is where they met David Ludford, whom they married in December 2019.

Following Williams’ death, Ludford penned a crushing tribute, having remained friends following their 2023 breakup.

He wrote on Instagram: ‘My heart is literally shattered, I feel so out of place. I feel lost, I feel numb. Fly high angel and keep shining.’

Williams’ loved ones are now continuing to honour them after their death, having partnered with Adferiad, a charity supporting individuals battling with substance use and their mental health.

They hope to highlight the dangers of ketamine use and ensure those who are struggling can access the help they require.

Williams’ family will play a major part in the organisation’s April campaign, Only Human, which aims to reduce the stigma around addiction and encourage open conversations.

Chanel Williams, their sister, said in a statement: ‘We continue to be completely devastated by James’s sudden death.

‘Ketamine is an extremely dangerous drug that is becoming more and more prevalent in the UK. If we can help raise awareness of the dangers of this drug, and help people who may be dealing with ketamine addiction, then something positive will come from this complete tragedy.’

Williams grew up in Colwyn Bay, North Wales, and later moved to Liverpool. They won the first series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and came third in the 2023 edition of Dancing On Ice.

The star also performed as the Wicked Witch of the West in a UK and Ireland tour of the musical and was due last month as the Childcatcher in the tour of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Away from the stage, Williams made appearances in Emmerdale, released their own music, and took part in Channel 4’s Celebrity Hunted in 2022 in aid of Stand Up to Cancer.

Their funeral was held in Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire, in January and was attended by 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.