George Ward, a drag performer better known by his stage name Cherry Valentine, passed away at the age of 28.
Ward participated in RuPaul’s Drag Race UK’s second season and later served as the host of the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud.
His family called his passing a “deep shock” in a statement.
Ward, who passed away on Sunday, was born and reared in the Traveller neighbourhood of Darlington, County Durham.
Before beginning his career in drag, he earned his certification as a mental health nurse in 2015.
“It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away,” Ward’s family said.
“As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same,” they added.
“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.”
Ward was revealed to be one of the 12 competitors in the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, which airs on BBC Three, in December 2020.
In his introductory video for the show, he described his Cherry Valentine alter-ego as “glamour”, “dark” and “gothic”.
He said his work as a nurse had “put me in that right position to be able to understand people a bit more”.
“If you are a drag queen you are working with people. And to understand people I think you go the extra mile.”
