Sahara Davenport (Antoine Ashley) of RuPaul fame has died

**Honeythorn** · October 2nd, 2012, 09:20 AM

'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Sahara Davenport has passed, RuPaul speaks out..

"Ru Paul's Drag Race" star Sahara Davenport has died.

News of the season two star's passing broke late Monday and has since been confirmed by fellow contestants from the series and RuPaul.

It is unclear what the cause of death was, but Davenport, real name Antoine Ashley, was reportedly 27 at the time of his death.

RuPaul spoke highly of Davenport in a post via Twitter Tuesday morning. He claimed to be "shocked and heartbroken" over the news.

"Shocked & heartbroken over Sahara Davenport. Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal," said RuPaul.

Davenport competed on the hit reality drag competition series in 2010 and went on to tour. It is known that he was dating fellow contestant Manila Luzon, who placed within the top 2 during the third season of "Ru Paul's Drag Race."

Rest in peace Sahara Davenport.

'RuPaul's Drag Race' star Sahara Davenport has passed, RuPaul speaks out - National Urban Pop | Examiner.com

I have spoken to JuJuBee's partner Christopher and the other Queens as well as Sahara's partner Manila Luzon have all confirmed.

/mad sads

RIP Mama!

**fgg** · October 2nd, 2012, 09:20 AM

OMG, so young!

**Air Quotes** · October 2nd, 2012, 10:13 AM

I read that this morning, so sad! I wonder if we'll find out how he died.

**pinkdiamondgrl** · October 2nd, 2012, 11:22 AM

I love that show! She and Manila Luzon were an adorable, solid couple.

I'm bummed out by this.

**pinkbunnyslippers** · October 2nd, 2012, 07:45 PM

I am so sad. I'm sure Manila in feeling low. It's terrible to see such a fun person fade away. Another good person gone.

**pinkbunnyslippers** · October 2nd, 2012, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by Honeythorn

I have spoken to JuJuBee's partner Christopher and the other Queens as well as Sahara's partner Manila Luzon have all confirmed.

/mad sads

RIP Mama!

Sorry for the double post.
Honeythorn you know those ladies personally?

**Dean James** · October 2nd, 2012, 08:14 PM

Crushing. I love that show and I love all the queens. Rest in Peace.

**Honeythorn** · October 2nd, 2012, 09:34 PM

Originally Posted by pinkbunnyslippers

Sorry for the double post.
Honeythorn you know those ladies personally?

Just JuJu's partner. I should have written that correctly.

**Laxmobster** · October 2nd, 2012, 11:40 PM

Just found out through FB that one of my friends up in NYC was friends with her. He's really bummed out about it. When I first saw his post I didn't think anything of it until I came back to GR later today and saw this thread again. Crazy.

**Dean James** · October 3rd, 2012, 09:38 AM

How did the poor guy die? 27 is way too young.

**Karistiona** · October 3rd, 2012, 10:27 AM

So sad, way too young to go.

**Honeythorn** · October 3rd, 2012, 03:43 PM

It was heart failure. His family released an official statement:

Sahara Davenport’s Family Releases Official Statement

October 3, 2012 ● by Chris Spargo

RIP Sahara

The family and friends of Sahara Davenport, also known as Antoine Ashley, have just released the following statement about the cause of Sahara’s sudden passing:

It is with the greatest sadness that we must confirm the death of Antoine Ashley, also known as Sahara Davenport, from the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Antoine passed away due to heart failure on October 1, 2012, at John Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, Maryland. He was twenty-seven years old.

Antoine’s mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, spoke on behalf of the family. “I thank God for giving me an Angel Antoine Ashley to share with the rest of the world. My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our Angel is now dancing in heaven. May God bless each and everyone.”

Boyfriend of six years and fellow drag entertainer Karl Westerberg (aka Manila Luzon) had this to say: “Antoine lived to entertain the world as Sahara Davenport, and the world was in awe over his extreme talent. But his heart is what made us all fall in love with him. To me he will always be my best friend, my hero, my Diva, and I have always considered myself more than lucky to have him be forever a part of my life. Thank you, hon, for bringing so much beauty to all of us. Your legacy lives on in me and all of us you’ve touched.”

In memory, Sahara asks that you, “Live, love, and believe.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with Sahara’s family and friends at this difficult time.

Sahara Davenport’s Family Releases Official Statement | NewNowNext