'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum, ChiChi DeVayne, Dies At 34

Like most people who didn't have heavy exposure to the world of drag prior to the advent of RuPaul's Drag Race, I had no clue who ChiChi DeVayne was prior to my 11-year-old introducing the show to me back a few years ago. When we finally hit Season 8 of the Emmy-winning competition series, #ChiChiDeVayne knocked me back on my heels. She didn't strike me as being as refined as some of her other #DragRace colleagues, such as #NaomiSmalls, #CourtneyAct, #RoxxxyAndrews or even #Katya, and she was a bit abrasive at first. That was what made every moment when ChiChi was on screen totally captivating, though.

Throughout the course of her run on Season 8, she was unafraid of taking on her critics, and while she often would reference her significant lack of resources as a reason why her fashion may not have measured up to some of her fellow competitors, she eventually came to accept her deep southern roots during her time on the show and embrace the sound of her thick southern drawl as well. She demonstrated incredible versatility throughout her run to 4th place on her season, even going so far as to make a stunning dress out of paper during the Book Ball.

Her skills as a dancer were insane, as well. She was unafraid to try almost any dance move, whether it was during a group challenge or during a lip sync, and became a significant threat to all competitors because of her multifaceted skill set, though she may have felt somewhat inadequate because of her own notions about what she had to offer up to that point in her Drag Race life.

It wasn't too long after, though, that ChiChi was invited to compete on #AllStars3, where she once again reminded the #DragRace community and beyond why she was so memorable to begin with. She was confident, she was elegant, and she was as sharp as ever. She was just as sharp and just as talented, and while she may not have made it further than 8th place for All Stars 3, she continued to show why she continued to be a fan favorite.

Then, in 2018, came news that ChiChi had been diagnosed with scleroderma. She'd admitted shortly after this diagnosis she had sort of hidden herself away from people because it had affected her appearance. Ultimately, though, she made a return to performing, and then word hit that she'd been admitted to hospital in July, with social media coming alive, imploring for donations to help the queen cover medical expenses. Reportedly, she'd been admitted due to kidney failure and high blood pressure, but was later discharged.

Sadly, her family confirmed the news that Zavion Davenport - the man behind ChiChi DeVayne - died on August 20, 2020. This has led to an outpouring of grief throughout the #DragRace community, with every queen past and present on the show - ranging from #Aquaria to #BiancadelRio, #TrixieMattel to #TrinityKBonet, among others - openly expressing their love or favorite memory of the kind-hearted star. #TrinitytheTuck even took to Twitter to suggest she and other drag queens get together to help cover any costs for a funeral for the former Drag Race star.

"I am literally so upset about Chichi!" she tweeted. "I wish there was more I could do to help out her family in her honor or something. I’m thinking we should do a benefit show for her family to help with the costs of her funeral."

RuPaul's Drag Race judge #MichelleVisage took to Instagram to mourn the star.

"Chi Chi was a sweet, kind and loving soul," she wrote. "I'm glad I was able to spend time with you and have the privilege to get to know you off camera. Though your physical being has left us, your energy, love and passion will forever live on. Rest in power sweet angel."

RuPaul also took to the official RuPaul's Drag Race Twitter account to express his sorrow.

"I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne," the star wrote. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all."

Sadly, Chi Chi is not the only Drag Race alum to have passed. #SaharaDavenport died in 2012 as a result of heart failure.

Arrangements have not yet been announced by the family.