The drag queen, who was hospitalised late last week, was 34 years old
Chi Chi DeVayne – born Zavion Davenport – has died aged 34, days after being admitted to hospital for pneumonia.
“Keep me in your prayers. I’ll be back soon,” the drag queen said in a video from a hospital bed, shared to social media on Saturday (August 15). In July, DeVayne had also been hospitalised with suspected kidney failure related to the autoimmune disease scleroderma.
DeVayne was born in Shreveport, Louisiana, and rose to national fame as a fan favourite on season eight of RuPaul’s Drag Race, returning for the third iteration of the show’s All-Stars spin off in 2018. In a statement shared via Instagram, RuPaul says: “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. On behalf of VH1, World of Wonder and the cast and crew of RuPaul’s Drag Race, I extend my deepest sympathy – from our family to hers.”
Many other friends, fans, and co-stars have also been sharing their condolences on social media, including drag queens Trixie Mattel, Shea Couleé, and Marti Gould Cummings (see below).
DeVayne also made appearances on the anthology series Little America, which told the stories of American immigrants, and the YouTube talk show Hey Qween!.
Rest in Power Chi Chi Devayne - thank you for your heart, your joy, and your incredible passion for drag - 💔 pic.twitter.com/rnAhrQQFHN
— Marti Gould Cummings (@MartiGCummings) August 20, 2020
❤️❤️❤️ an iconic queen literally everyone in our industry will always love. pic.twitter.com/UspJ3KzQaC
— Trixie Mattel (@trixiemattel) 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
RIP ChiChi 😪💙 What a powerful soul, who’s light will continue to shine bright ✨
— Blu Hydrangea (@BluHydrangea_) August 20, 2020
Chi Chi was so kind to me. At a time I was really low. I’m just sat here in tears. R.I.P you beautiful angel.
— Baga Chipz (@ChipShopBird) August 20, 2020
Rest in Power Angel! Seriously one of the nicest people I've ever met. 💔
— Ongina (@ongina) August 20, 2020
Zavion Davenport Chi Chi DeVayne we will miss you! pic.twitter.com/Hicbi7rBsA