Days ago, DeVayne posted a brief video from a hospital bed after being readmitted due to pneumonia. Following the death of the popular drag queen, RuPaul, host of the reality show . This informed their likability and lovability as fan favorites. DeVayne described it as a chronic, incurable illness that causes the skin to tighten and thick scar tissues to form around internal organs, impairing their ability to function. Or by navigating to the user icon in the top right. I would love to have other rule girls a part of yes! [19][20] DeVayne credited her experience on Drag Race with helping her heal from some of the difficulties of her past.[2]. And the show was there for them," she explained. It's crazy. More info. "She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. If you have questions or concerns, Chi Chi, who's real name was Zavion Davenport, died amid a battle with pneumonia, although the exact cause of death has not been revealed. [24][25] This prompted fans and fellow Drag Race contestants to initiate fundraising efforts for his medical bills. found a typed note on a hospital desk in recent days urging them to "try not to write respiratory failure caused by Covid" as the primary cause of death . RuPaul has paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was heartbroken to learn of her death. Known offstage as Zavion Davenport, DeVayne was remembered by peers as "a caring, empathetic and beautiful soul.". Drag Race fans have been left saddened by the news that drag performer Chi Chi DeVayne died on Thursday, August 20. DON'T MISSCanada's Drag Race judges: Who is judge Deborah Cox? The illness caused the entertainer to lose weight and hindered her ability to perform at her peak dance level, she said. RuPaul's Drag Race Chi Chi DeVayne star has died at the age of just 34. an iconic queen literally everyone in our industry will always love. Zavion explained that in Shreveport, where he grew up and first made a name for himself locally as a Black drag performer, there was no room to express femininity out of drag, not even by putting on sparkly pink socks. Theres no cure, but most people with the condition can lead a full, normal life, with symptoms usually controlled by a range of different treatments. Covid-19 was the third leading cause of death in the U.S. last year, with only heart disease and cancer killing more people, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control . Don't miss a beat. August 20, 2020 2:55pm. Following her time on the show, DeVayne embarked on a number of domestic and international tours, and she was featured on several web series about drag. Julie Newmar, and the surname DeVayne came from the DeVayne drag family of Shreveport. She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn) on Aug 20, 2020 at 3:28pm PDT. Love RuPaul's Drag Race? Chi Chi DeVayne came to international attention on the eighth season of RuPaul's Drag Race and also appeared on the third season of the All Stars version of the show. RuPauls Drag Race star Chi Chi Devayne has died at age 34. In a series of Instagram videos, DeVayne said she had tested negative for COVID-19 but was believed to be suffering kidney failure."I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi . 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Chi Chi, whose non-stage name was Zavion Davenport, appeared on season eight of the show, as well as season three of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. But, as her health deteriorated and her fans grew increasingly concerned, she couldnt keep quiet any longer. Fatal ischemic events (venous or arterial) occurred in 13% of the cases. People from all around the world were so excited about this season," Hall added. Check out these locals who made it on reality tv shows. If that's not outstanding and show the power of what television can do for people, I don't know what else can.". Chi Chi had also been in and out of hospital following suspected kidney failure. And this shows in the numbers. Do you have a story to sell? Former "Drag Race" contestant Peppermint tweeted a photo of DeVayne. The statement said: "I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne. Show More Posts from chichidevayneofficial. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all. DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared in the eighth . Chi Chi DeVayne, season 3 of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars. Aug. 20 2020, Updated 11:19 p.m. The NHS reports that scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels.. please check our, Week after week, she gave the show everything she had: back flips, front flips, lip-synching while twerking in an upside-down, A post shared by Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial), A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn). At the time of this brief, COVID-19 is on track to be the third leading cause of death in the U.S. for the third year in a row. "I was hopeful that she would come off this because I have a close friend that's going through a similar situation," Hall, 33, said to TODAY. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, ChiChi died after being admitted into hospital, Chi Chi is known for RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. The classically trained dancer, known offstage as Zavion Davenport, was 34. Chi Chi DeVayne, a competitor on two seasons of "RuPaul's Drag Race," has died at the age of 34. Zavion Davenport, best known by the stage name Chi Chi DeVayne, has died, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed. Cause of death: COVID-19-related complications. Follow NBC Out on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram. The top global causes of death, in order of total number of lives lost, are associated with three broad topics: cardiovascular (ischaemic heart disease, stroke), respiratory (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lower respiratory infections) and neonatal conditions - which include birth asphyxia and birth trauma, neonatal sepsis and infections, and preterm birth complications. Former contestants and fans of the show also paid tribute to Vhi Chi. Chi Chi got to shine in the spotlight, only because Zavion was so dedicated to building her in private, while juggling two jobs in the service industry. Drag Race: The most political, troubled season ever? Please keep her family and friends in your thoughts, and try to work towards being the symbol of kindness that she exemplified for so many. She may not have won her season, but she won the heart of viewers and became an international star, going on to tour and performing in cities like Rio, Los Angeles and Montreal. People are battling anxiety and depression right now. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul," he said in a statement, posted on the show's Twitter account. Scleroderma can come in different types, with different levels of seriousness. He had a sister, Brittany; a brother, DaRico Wyandon; and two half-brothers, Zachary and Zamien Willis. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" family is mourning the loss of one of their own. Another wrote: "The legacy that chi chi has left in our community is everlasting. In a heartfelt and labored message, DeVayne addressed fans: Keep me in prayers. (Santiago Felipe/Getty Images/TNS) Santiago . The talented drag star is thought to have passed away due to complications from pneumonia. Something went wrong, please try again later. "It comes back to us both coming from humble beginnings, and it's hard to see her go, but I know she will live on forever.". RuPaul, responding to news of DeVayne's death on Twitter[21][22], Davenport was openly gay. That charismatic personality and fearlessness we all saw on TV was noticeably muted out of drag. [4], DeVayne's first name, Chi Chi, was inspired by the character Chi-Chi Rodriguez from To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Chi Chi DeVayne, a beloved drag queen who shot to fame on the RuPauls Drag Race franchise, died Thursday in her hometown of Shreveport, Louisiana. "I think it's given us a closer connection to the fans because they they've been so active with us online," Closet said. "Also show that there can be kindness out there in the world, even in these crazy times. Scleroderma is an uncommon condition that results in hard, thickened areas of skin and sometimes problems with internal organs and blood vessels. August 20, 2020 2:55pm. Part of HuffPost Entertainment. Chi Chi, who was 34, revealed to fans on Instagram earlier this month that she had contracted pneumonia . Always open with her fans, her camera was rolling when she underwent dialysis. 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, ChiChi died after being admitted into hospital, Chi Chi is known for RuPaul's Drag Race All-Stars. Chi Chi was incredibly kind and caring to her friends and family, even while battling pain and decreased mobility. The classically trained dancer, known . Aug. 20, 2020 6:13 PM PT. DeVayne, who hailed from Shreveport, Louisiana, and Closet, who is from Ramseur, North Carolina, both come from self-proclaimed "humble beginnings." A 65-year-old who dies from COVID-19 might ordinarily have expected to live until 85 - a difference of two decades, or roughly a quarter of the average American's total expected life span at birth. The official account for RuPaul's Drag Race also paid tribute with a statement from RuPaul. She explained earlier on: "Currently battling pneumonia so Ill be MIA for a few more days.". But she didnt surprise me. [24] Four weeks later, Davenport was readmitted to the hospital with pneumonia. A post shared by the other stephen dunn (@notstephendunn) on Aug 20, 2020 at 2:15pm PDT. Everything has turned in a different direction. Before, I was just like, 'What's a good job that I could get here in town, working in a factory?'. Ill be back soon.. Earlier this year, DeVayne revealed she had been diagnosed withscleroderma in an interview onHey Qween. The drag queen, whose real name was . Its hard when you go from being at the top of your game and then … something like this hits, she said. Chi Chi, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, appeared on two seasons of the popular show "RuPaul's Drag Race" and quickly became a fan favorite. Video, Russian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, Harry: I always felt different to rest of family, US-made cheese can be called 'gruyere' - court, The children left behind in Cuba's exodus, AOC under investigation for Met Gala dress, Alex Murdaugh's legal troubles are far from over, Walkie Talkie architect Rafael Violy dies aged 78, Saving Private Ryan actor Tom Sizemore dies at 61. The Southern drag queen with an effervescent personality, one-of-a-kind fashions and impressive dance skills was a contestant on the eighth season of the show and the third season of the spin-off, RuPauls Drag Race All Stars.. Before filming, the incoming Ru-Girls typically incur a massive personal debt to hire designers and buy materials to prepare for the shows gruelling challenges. RuPaul's Drag Race star, ne Zavion Davenport, died this week following a battle with pneumonia.The cause of death is pending an autopsy . [2] Prior to appearing on Drag Race, Davenport worked two nine-to-five jobs to support himself. We also may change the frequency you receive our emails from us in order to keep you up to date and give you the best relevant information possible. She still had so much left to do. I feel like that first of all and her dancing toes. RuPaul returns to daytime TV for summer test run. "I do look forward to the day that we are able to go and show them all what we can do in-person," she added. Drag queen Chi Chi DeVayne, best known for appearing on two seasons of RuPaul's Drag Race, has died aged 34. The median time from ICU admission to death was 15 days (25th-75th IQR, 7-27 days). RuPaul paid tribute to Chi Chi, saying that he was "heartbroken" to learn of her death. One user wrote: "chi chi devayne was a powerhouse. And there were a lot of limitations, but Chi Chi kept finding new ways to evolve as an artist taking a page from her own book: It doesnt matter what you have, its what you do with it that counts A post shared by Chi Chi DeVayne (@chichidevayneofficial) on Jun 29, 2019 at 8:40am PDT. Chi Chi DeVayne death: How did the RuPauls Drag Race star die and what is scleroderma? Looking back on this season and looking forwarding to the 2020 Emmys where the show is nominated for 13 awards, including outstanding competition and outstanding host, Hall says the show is deserving now more than ever despite coronavirus or any drama that happened at the start of the twelfth season. Im heartbroken. pic.twitter.com/dlbRex2mNN. Chi Chi was previously also hospitalised in July with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she had catheters to her heart and kidneys surgically installed before undergoing dialysis treatment. Zavion Michael Davenport was born on September 24, 1985, in Shreveport, Louisiana, to Alberteen Wyandon and Zan Davenport III. Drag Race alum Chi Chi Devayne dead at 34. VideoRussian minister laughed at for Ukraine war claims, The children left behind in Cuba's mass exodus, Xi Jinping's power grab - and why it matters, Snow, Fire and Lights: Photos of the Week. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. I was always a little performer. . Chi Chi DeVayne dead :Chi Chi's cause of death is yet to be revealed (Image: GETTY) READ MORE. This season of "Drag Race" premiered only a few weeks before lockdown began, making it impossible for this batch of new queens to really . Chi Chi died from pneumonia after being hospitalised for a second time this year. This causes scarring and thickening of the tissue in these areas. When I tell you I come from the streets, I'm not kidding. Canada's Drag Race: Who left Drag Race? "[12], DeVayne was interviewed on RuPaul's podcast RuPaul: What's the Tee?