An outpouring of love and support has come from the global Drag Race fandom following the tragic news.
Raffy ErmacRuPaul's Drag Race UK alum Cherry Valentine has tragically passed away.
Valentine, the persona of drag performer and mental health nurse George Ward, was only 28 years old at the time of her death this past Sunday, according to the BBC.
"It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George - Cherry Valentine - has tragically passed away," a statement from Valentine's family following the tragic loss read. "This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced."
"As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same," the statement continued. "We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie."
Following the news of Valentine's passing, an outpouring of love and support started to come from folks all over the globe, including those close to Valentine during the production of Drag Race UK season 2.
"So sad to hear. A bright star and a lovely person," RuPaul herself said in a tweet. "Always in our hearts."
"We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away," the official Drag Race UK Twitter account said in their own statement. "She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve, and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply."
"We are all shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine," Fiona Campbell of BBC Three (the network that airs Drag Race UK) said in a Twitter statement. "A fan favourite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to have worked with him at BBC Three. He will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
As expected, many others — both fans and fellow queens alike — took to the web to pay their respects to Valentine.
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0RuPaul's Drag Race UK Queen Cherry Valentine Passes Away at Age 28, Fans & Celebs Pay Tribute
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