Chi Chi DeVayne, ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ competitor, dead at 34

Chi Chi DeVayne, an entertainer who competed on two seasons of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has died at age 34, his mother, Tina Davenport, told CNN.

The drag queen, whose real name was Zavion Michael Davenport, competed on season eight of the show and also in the third season of the show’s all-star edition, Entertainment Weekly reported.

While no cause of death was given, DeVayne posted to Instagram from a hospital bed and mentioned he was battling pneumonia, CNN reported.

“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,’” according to a statement from DeVayne’s family. “His final words to his family and fans, ‘Never Give Up!’”

In a statement, RuPaul said he was “heartbroken” to learn of DeVayne’s death.

“I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul,” RuPaul said. “She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.

“May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all.”

World of Wonder, the production company behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” also released a statement.

“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,” the company said. “Rest in power, Chi Chi.”

A Louisiana native, DeVayne was hospitalized with high blood pressure and suspected kidney failure, telling fans she had catheters to her heart and kidneys surgically installed before undergoing dialysis treatment, Entertainment Weekly reported.

Cox Media Group