Philadelphia drag queen Valencia Prime tragically passed away after she collapsed mid-performance.
The beloved trans performer, who made a name for herself as ‘Philadelphia’s Plus Size Dancing Diva,’ was hosting her Tabu Nightclub PrimeTime showcase moments before the devastating incident occurred.
In an interview with ABC 6, Valencia’s friend and fellow drag performer Asia Monroe revealed that she was unresponsive when paramedics arrived at the venue.
“The Philadelphia scene will never be the same. She was really a wonderful, loving and caring person,” she added.
According to the medical examiner’s report, Valencia’s cause of death was due to Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease – which is a form of heart disease.
Since her shocking death, heartfelt tributes have poured in from fans and the young talent’s drag peers.
“We mourn the loss of a very bright and rising star in the performance community and a person who was always full of life and positivity,” Tabu Nightclub said in a statement via Instagram.
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“We say goodbye to Valencia Prime, but we will not forget the light you brought to the stage.”
Drag performer Aloe Vera echoed similar sentiments in her own statement on Facebook.
“I’m trying. I’m trying to be strong, and I’m trying to brave because you were the one the taught me how to be strong and brave,” she wrote.
“The pain I feel right now is something I wish on no one. You are and will forever be my light… I love you with everything in my heart Valencia. Rest in power.”
Fans also took to Valencia’s Instagram posts to share their heartbreaking condolences.
“Rest in Power, baby… keep spreading that light and hope we all knew you for,” one fan commented.
Another person wrote: “This hurts… this really hurts…”
In an effort to help support her family and funeral proceedings, a GoFundMe page was set up. As of this writing, the fundraiser has exceeded its $8,000 goal by raising over $14,000.
For fans looking to honour and celebrate Valencia’s life, Tabu announced a special memorial show, which will take place on 19 September.
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