AceShowbiz - British drag queen James Lee Williams a.k.a The Vivienne, who gained fame as the first winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK," and later competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars season 7," passed away at the age of 32 over the weekend. Their manager, Simon Jones, confirmed the sad news through a heartfelt statement.

"It is with immense sadness that we let you know our beloved James Lee Williams - The Vivienne, has passed this weekend," Jones' statement read. "James was an incredibly loved, warm-hearted, and amazing person."

"Their family are heartbroken at the loss of their son, brother, and uncle. They are so proud of the wonderful things James achieved in their life and career," Jones continued. "We will not be releasing any further details. We please ask that James' family are given the time and privacy they now need to process and grieve," the statement concluded.

The news has sparked an outpouring of tributes from the drag and theatre communities. Michelle Visage, a long-standing judge on "RuPaul's Drag Race," shared her deep sorrow. "Heartbreaking 💔. I don't know how to say how I feel," she wrote on Instagram alongside a photo with The Vivienne.

"My darling @thevivienne_ we go back to when I started coming over here to the UK. You were always there, always laughing, always giving, always on point. Your laughter, your wit, your talent, your drag. I loved all of it but I loved your friendship most of all."

The Vivienne hailed from Colwyn Bay in Wales and quickly rose to stardom. After becoming the UK Drag Ambassador in 2015, they captured viewers' hearts by winning the first series of "RuPaul's Drag Race UK" in 2019.

Their talent was not confined to television; Williams also graced the theatre stage and was starring as the Childcatcher in the U.K. tour of the stage musical "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang" at the time of their passing.

Messages of shock and condolences have been numerous. "We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of James Lee Williams, AKA The Vivienne this weekend," stated the production company World of Wonder. "Her talent, humor, and kindness were an inspiration. She achieved so much in her career and will be greatly missed."

Tia Kofi, winner of the second series of "RuPaul's Drag Race: UK vs. the World," tweeted, "This is an incredible loss to the British drag community and to the world. Viv represented UK drag at its absolute finest on stage and screen internationally."

The void left by The Vivienne's passing will undoubtedly be felt deeply within the drag community and beyond. As friends, fans, and family continue to grieve, the legacy of The Vivienne's charisma, uniqueness, nerve, and talent will shine on forever.