SAN FRANCISCO drag diva Heklina, 54, was discovered deceased in London.
On Monday, fellow queen Peaches Christ discovered the famous drag performer, also known as Stefan Grygelko.
Peaches (Joshua Grannell) was performing in the theatrical spoof “Mommmie Queerest” with Heklina.
Grannell announced her passing on the Peaches Christ Facebook profile as well as his personal page.
The co-star wrote: “I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don’t have all the answers just now.
“This morning, in London, England I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is costarring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead.
“I do not know the cause of death yet. I know this is shocking news and I am beyond stunned, but I wanted to let folks know what has happened.
“Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community. I am a mess.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the drag queen who was a key figure in the queer community.
The show is being held at The Soho Theatre which tweeted that it was “in shock and incredibly saddened with the news of Heklina’s passing.”
Fans have flooded Helkina’s Instagram page with farewells and condolences.
Fellow drag diva Rhea Litre said in her last tweet, “Forever @heklina will live inside the heart of the art of drag.”
“Our community has suffered a great loss.”
A fan wrote: “Thank you for everything you did for the queer community, and the Bay Area scene. Rest in peace.”
Meanwhile, supervisor Matt Haney tweeted about the “drag legend, brilliant performer and trailblazing community icon.”
He said: “My condolences and love goes out to all of Heklina’s friends, family, and loved ones, and the entire LGBTQ and drag communities.”
In the 1990s, the late drag performer rose to prominence on the stage.
Heklina co-founded SoMa’s drag bar, Oasis, where admirers congregated after learning of her death.
The following is a declaration issued by San Francisco Pride:
“Heklina, aka Stefan Grygelko, San Francisco’s cherished local nightlife icon, club owner, and legendary drag performer has reportedly passed away while on tour in London.
“Nguyen Pham, Board President of San Francisco Pride speaks for the community when he says this is completely heartbreaking and will remain top of mind across the queer community for some time.
“Personally, I’ve been honored and grateful to have engaged with Heklina directly, as well as attended her spectacularly memorable productions, numerous times over the years.
“I know that her unique brand of radically inclusive drag art has evoked so much pure joy from countless community members and allies for many generations.
“She was unstoppable and a master without parallel.”
