RuPaul's Drag Race UK alum Cherry Valentine has tragically passed away.
Valentine, the persona of drag performer and mental health nurse George Ward, was only 28 years old at the time of her death this past Sunday, according to the BBC.
"It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George - Cherry Valentine - has tragically passed away," a statement from Valentine's family following the tragic loss read. "This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced."
"As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same," the statement continued. "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."
Following the news of Valentine's passing, an outpouring of love and support started to come from folks all over the globe, including those close to Valentine during the production of Drag Race UK season 2.
"So sad to hear. A bright star and a lovely person," RuPaul herself said in a tweet. "Always in our hearts."
\u201cSo sad to hear. A bright star and a lovely person. @TheCValentine Always in our hearts. https://t.co/cA0TsMZ0PN\u201d— RuPaul (@RuPaul) 1663934195
"We are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away," the official Drag Race UK Twitter account said in their own statement. "She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve, and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply."
\u201cWe are heartbroken that Cherry has passed away. She was a kind soul who brought joy and a distinctive laugh to everyone she met. She brought flair, verve and charm to #DragRaceUK, we will miss her so deeply.\u201d— RuPaul's Drag Race UK (@RuPaul's Drag Race UK) 1663925663
"We are all shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine," Fiona Campbell of BBC Three (the network that airs Drag Race UK) said in a Twitter statement. "A fan favourite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to have worked with him at BBC Three. He will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time."
\u201cA fan favourite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to have worked with him at BBC Three.\n\nHe will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time.\u201d\u201d— BBC Three (@BBC Three) 1663920535
As expected, many others -- both fans and fellow queens alike -- took to the web to pay their respects to Valentine.
\u201cRip cherry valentine I love you and your insane artistry forever \ud83d\udda4\u201d— Gottmik (@Gottmik) 1663931971
\u201cIf there is a heaven, Chi Chi DeVayne and Cherry Valentine will be planning to put on the gig of the century. What a show it would be.\u201d— Mattress Isabelle Brooks (@Mattress Isabelle Brooks) 1663920229
\u201cI\u2019m in shock and not quite sure how to process the news. RIP Cherry. I will cherish the times we had together. An exceptional artist and person. My love goes out to their friends and family and everyone who knew them.\u201d— Joe Black (@Joe Black) 1663921733
\u201cAt a loss for words. One of those souls so pure, so raw, so real. I\u2019m incredibly lucky to have known George and witnessed their infectious spirit. Their patience and kindness was their superpower. They saw you for you and not many people have that empathetic trait. My heart \ud83d\udc94\ud83c\udf52\u201d— B\u00ce\u043c\u00ce\u03b7\u00ce (@B\u00ce\u043c\u00ce\u03b7\u00ce) 1663926373
\u201cI never thought I\u2019d have to write something like this about such a talented and beautiful person that was Cherry. We have lost an incredible queen and I\u2019m honestly devastated! \nRIP @TheCValentine I LOVE YOU \u2764\ufe0f\ud83c\udf39\u201d— CHERYL HOLE (@CHERYL HOLE) 1663918919
None— ti\u00f1o \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddee (@ti\u00f1o \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddee) 1663922669
\u201cWhat sad news to hear about the passing of Cherry Valentine. A completely out of this world talent and so tragically young x\u201d— \ud835\udc46\ud835\udc3c\ud835\udc34\ud835\udc41 \ud835\udc47\ud835\udc3b\ud835\udc4c\ud835\udc40\ud835\udc38\ud835\udc46 \ud83e\udd42 (@\ud835\udc46\ud835\udc3c\ud835\udc34\ud835\udc41 \ud835\udc47\ud835\udc3b\ud835\udc4c\ud835\udc40\ud835\udc38\ud835\udc46 \ud83e\udd42) 1663917880
\u201cShe is a mental health nurse, who helped during the Pandemic, and is one of the most talented queens. Rest in Peace, Cherry Valentine.\u201d— Catarina (@Catarina) 1663919170
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