Cherry Valentine, RuPaul’s Drag Race U.Okay. Star, Lifeless at 28

Cherry Valentine, a solid member on the British model of RuPaul’s Drag Race, handed away on September 18, in line with an announcement launched on Friday by his household.

The truth star was 28 years previous.

Valentine was born as George Ward, and Ward’s mother and father had been those who broke the tragic information of their little one’s loss of life.

“It’s with essentially the most coronary heart wrenching and deepest unhappiness to tell you that our George — Cherry Valentine — has tragically handed away,” the devastated mom and father wrote.

“It will come as a profound shock to most individuals & we perceive there isn’t a simple method for this to be introduced.

“As his household, we’re nonetheless processing his loss of life and our lives won’t ever be the identical.

“We perceive how a lot he’s beloved and what number of lives he has impressed and touched. All we ask is to your persistence and your prayers on this time.

“We love you Georgie 30 November 1993-18 September 2022.”

Born in northeast of England, Valentine was introduced up within the traveler group, which the place he began doing drag as a toddler.

“He appeared in six episodes of Ru Paul’s Drag Race (which is broadcast on BBC Three) in 2020-2021.

In his introductory video, he described the alter ego of Cherry Valentine as “every part,” stating on air:

“She is glamor, she’s membership child, she’s darkish, she’s gothic.”

In a tribute to the late star, Drag Race U.Okay. produces mentioned they’re “heartbroken that Cherry has handed away,” including:

“She was a sort soul who introduced pleasure and a particular chortle to everybody she met. She introduced aptitude, verve and appeal to #DragRaceUK, we are going to miss her so deeply.”

BBC Three, in the meantime, mentioned in its personal message:

“We’re devastated on the passing of George, who we knew as Cherry Valentine.”

Almost each considered one of Valentine’s costars from his season of the present additionally posted heartbreaking tributes on social media after the information went viral.

“completely devastated & crying as I write this,” wrote Tayce. “I wished to publish a montage of images & movies but it surely’s all to onerous proper now.

“”I’ve by no means misplaced a pal earlier than and it’s a numbing feeling, however my ideas, prayers and deepest condolences exit to her household and absolute nearest & dearest.

“Cherry was a pressure, a touchstone, one of many sweetest, kindest and caring folks I’ve ever met. she was some extent of contact to anybody who wanted assist and impressed so many.

“Please take care of one another, examine in, and don’t be afraid to ask for assist ever. you by no means know what struggles persons are going via.

“I really like you George.”

Bimini Bon Boulash honored Valentine as properly, writing:

“Confused. A type of souls so pure, so uncooked, so actual. I’m extremely fortunate to have identified George and witnessed their infectious spirit. Their persistence and kindness was their superpower.

“They noticed you for you and never many individuals have that empathetic trait.”

Joe Black wrote:

“I’m in shock and never fairly certain learn how to course of the information. RIP Cherry. I’ll cherish the occasions we had collectively. An distinctive artist and particular person. My love goes out to their family and friends and everybody who knew them.”

“Fully devastated and shook by the information about our pal Cherry,” tweeted Tia Kofi, sharing a hyperlink to a GoFundMe web page arrange in Ward’s honor.

“She was extraordinarily type, beneficiant and proficient.”

Lastly, Ginny Lemon wrote:

“I’m crying a lot and I’m additionally laughing in any respect the comfortable reminiscences. So many comfortable comfortable reminiscences, the ‘tour time portal,’ the damaged nail, and all these ‘foolish foolish women’ and I’ll always remember the 9am goodnight hug.

“Cherry my darling, I really like you a lot, my coronary heart is damaged.”