Mourning the Loss of Chi Chi DeVayne

On Thursday, the world received devastating news that RuPaul’s Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne passed away. She was 34.

Born Zavion Davenport, the season 8 and All Stars 3 contestant was in the hospital being treated for pneumonia. While hooked up to a breathing tube and other medical equipment, she made an Instagram Story post asking fans for prayers. She died less than a week later.

In July, DeVayne was hospitalized for high blood pressure and possible kidney failure. In 2018, she was diagnosed with scleroderma, a condition that attacks various internal organs. Fans and Drag Race alum were raising money and circulating the performer’s CashApp and Venmo accounts to help finance her medical care.

DeVayne’s family shared a post later in the day officially confirming the queen’s passing. “It is with tremendous sorrow that my family and I announce the passing of my beloved son, Zavion Michael Davenport, the world renowned ‘Chi Chi DeVayne,’” the post read. The family said plans for final arrangements were still forthcoming and shared “his final words to his family and fans, ‘Never give up!’”Hailing from Shreveport, LA, DeVayne made an everlasting impression on Drag Race audiences. Primarily known as a lip-sync assassin, no one will ever forget her going up against Thorgy Thor to Jennifer Holiday’s “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” It has been claimed to be one of the best lip syncs in Drag Race herstory. DeVayne made it to the Top 4 of her original season and revealed to be a dancer and witty comedian.

In addition to Drag Race, various tours, and gigs, DeVayne had a small part on season 1 of the Apple TV+ anthology dramedy Little America, appeared on fellow Drag Race alum Yuhua Hamasaki’s Bootleg Opinions YouTube series, and guested on an episode of the popular queer talk show Hey Qween.

When the news broke of DeVayne’s passing, an outpour of love and condolences came from fans, celebrities and fellow queens. Although he personally left social media, RuPaul released a statement through the RuPaul’s Drag Race Twitter account.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne,” he 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. 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.”

DeVayne is the second contestant from Drag Race to have died since the show’s inception. Season 2 contestant Sahara Davenport died of heart failure in 2012. DeVayne will forever be known as a gentle and loving soul to all that met her.

Rest in power, Chi Chi.