Sahara Davenport Antoine Ashley Passes Away
QUEERTY and other sources are reporting Sahara Davenport, one of the more popular contestants on Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race—and partner to fellow Drag Race entrant Manila Luzon—has passed away at age 28.
As Antoine Ashley, Davenport was born and raised in Dallas and
attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned a BFA in dance.
After moving to New York, Davenport scored appearances in One Life to Live, Judge Karen and the video for David Guetta and Chris Willis’ “Gettin’ Over.”
In addition to a successful performance career, Davenport released two singles: “Pump with Me” (2010) and “Go Off” (2011).
Though details have yet to emerge about Davenport’s passing, Drag Race judge
Michelle Visage confirmed the death via Twitter: “It’s true and I have
no words. Have to sign off for now kids, can’t handle this. XOXO.”
Other Drag Race performers took to social media to extend
their condolences: “A beautiful angel has been added to Heaven. Rest in
peace my sweet friend,” tweeted Jujubee. “We will miss you, Sahara
Davenport.” While Season One winner Bebe Zehara wrote, “I am deeply
saddened and at a lost for words. @SaharaDavenport – I Love you sis.”
Luzon tweeted simply, “I love him so much. “
Reports are flying online that Sahara Davenport, who competed on the second season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has died. Various sources listed her current age as 27, but a New York Times profile had her at 29 in 2009.
When Karl Westerberg (Manila Luzon) found out that Antoine, his boyfriend of six years, died Monday of heart failure, he was devastated. But it also made him appreciate their time together even more.
Westerberg, also known by his stage name Manila Luzon, told PEOPLE on
Thursday. “I was lucky enough to have time with him.”
Still, he says, losing the fellow RuPaul’s Drag Race contestant is a struggle.