Chi Chi DeVayne Dies: ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Alum Zavion Davenport Was 34
RuPaul’s Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne has died, production company World of Wonder confirmed. The drag queen, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, was hospitalized for pneumonia before passing away Thursday at age 34.
“We’re heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today. Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met,” World of Wonder’s official Twitter account posted.
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Davenport, known for their humor and dance skills, hailed from Shreveport, LA. The Drag Race alum appeared on Season 8, placing fourth overall on the reality competition. Davenport also returned to appear on Season 3 of All Stars, finishing eighth.
Upon hearing the news, RuPaul reflected on their time on the show.
Related: Chi Chi DeVayne makes the case for purple makeup default
“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,” RuPaul wrote via the official Drag Race Twitter.
Davenport had also been living with scleroderma and was admitted to the hospital for suspected kidney failure in July.
Fellow drag queens and show alumni expressed their condolences and sadness on Twitter as well. All Stars 5 winner and Season 9 contestant Shea Coulée mourned the news, writing “wake me up when it’s all over.” Additional Drag Race stars Farrah Moan, Trinity the Tuck Taylor and The Vixen also mourned on social media.
We're heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today. Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met.
Rest in power, Chi Chi. pic.twitter.com/AlTwGR71OU
— World of Wonder (@WorldOfWonder) August 20, 2020
"I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne.
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." –RuPaul (1/2) pic.twitter.com/iN3oT3R2dG— RuPaul's Drag Race (@RuPaulsDragRace) August 20, 2020
I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach. Wake me up when it’s all over 💔
— Shea Couleé (@SheaCoulee) August 20, 2020
Chichi was hands down one of my favorite queens to work with. I first met her right after filming s9. We smoked the fattest blunt & she gave me amazing advice I’ll never forget. All my memories with her from the Xmas tours will be in my heart forever. Rest in power sweet angel 😞
— 👑 Farrah Moan (@farrahrized) August 20, 2020
I am literally so upset about Chichi! 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.
— Trinity The Tuck (@TrinityTheTuck) August 20, 2020
When I first saw Chichi on tv it made me believe that one day I could be there too. I first met her as a fan and I burst into tears. She hugged me, then we smoked!😉 We’ve traveled together a lot since then. it’s an honor to call her sister. Zavion will forever be missed.😔 pic.twitter.com/JTK3eRKzVF
— The Vixen (@TheVixensworld) August 20, 2020
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