Earlier this year, the coroner’s court presented details surrounding the death of the first RuPaul’s Drag Race UK winner.
James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne, was discovered deceased in a bathtub by a neighbor, bringing to light more information about their passing.
The court uncovered that the 32-year-old performer had secretly battled ketamine addiction and had unfortunately relapsed after maintaining sobriety for several years.
Williams had previously opened up about their addiction during an episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race, which was reportedly the first revelation of these struggles to their father.
On Monday, June 30, Cheshire Coroner’s Court received testimony from Janine Godbold, a neighbor who found Williams at their home after concerns arose about their sudden unavailability.
Godbold mentioned she had spoken with The Vivienne two days prior to plan a shopping outing. Authorities determined that the performer had passed away a few days before their body was discovered.
After receiving a call from a worried friend of the performer, Godbold, accompanied by her son Ryan, used her key to enter the premises.
Describing the scene, Godbold recounted: “I went into the kitchen and Ryan [her son] went into the living room, we were calling [their] name and there was no answer. All the lights were on.”
“As we got to the top of the stairs, Ryan went one way and I turned right. James’ bedroom is there and there is a door to the ensuite.”
“I looked at James’ bed which was all ruffled, I initially thought Panda [The Vivienne’s dog] had ragged the quilt on the bed.”
“And then I walked past James’ bed and into the bathroom and saw James in the bath, [they] just looked like [they were] sleeping.”
Upon finding Williams, Godbold tried to prevent their head from submerging and instructed Ryan to call for an ambulance.
The neighbor stayed with Williams thereafter, and upon the arrival of police and paramedics, it was apparent that Williams had been deceased for some time.
Senior Coroner Jacqueline Devonish ruled the death as a misadventure, noting that cardiac arrest, induced by drug use, was the cause. Devonish affirmed there was no indication that Williams intended to end their own life.