Sahara Davenport, a drag queen also known as Antoine Ashley has died according to reports and those in the drag community. However a lack of facts has left fans a little confused and some were wondering if it is another Twitter death hoax.
According to PEOPLE magazine, Ashley, who starred as Sahara Davenport on RuPaul's Drag Race, has passed away at the age of 27. There are no details of the death at this time.
A message on the Logo network's Facebook page, which broadcast's the show reads:
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport. He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need."
Members of the drag queen world also took to social media to express their sorrow over the loss.
The original tweet that sparked news of Davenport's death came from Jujubee, a Drag Race contestant from Season 2, who wrote: "A beautiful angel has been added to Heaven. Rest in peace my sweet friend. We will miss you, Sahara Davenport."
"Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal," said RuPaul.
Michelle Visage, a Drag Race judge wrote :"It's true and I have no words. Have to sign off for now kids, can't handle this. XOXO."
Davenport's boyfriend, Karl Westerberg, better known as Manila Luzon from Drag Race simply wrote "I love him so much."
The fact that there are no details about the death is making some fans think that Davenport's death is nothing but a hoax that was started on Twitter.
Many rumors about celebrity deaths have started on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook. Some of the biggest ones included a rumor about actor Morgan Freeman and another about Tom Kenny, the voice behind SpongeBob Squarepants, but other celebrities like the musician Skrillex, actor Vince Vaughn, country singer Taylor Swift, comedian Adam Sandler, Comedian Bill Cosby, Alfonso Ribeiro aka Carlton from the Fresh Prince, and Bill Nye the Science Guy have all been victims of death hoaxes within the past few weeks.
Since Davenport is so young and the death is so unexpected, many on Twitter thought it was just another rumor.
"This Sahara Davenport death thing BEST be a hoax. #excuseme," wrote user @michaelelli0tt.
"They're saying Sahara's death is a hoax?" wrote @jazzybaptiste
"Does anyone know anything about Saharah Davenport whether it is true that she is dead or a hoax? #hoax #death," wrote @TheHipShowTalks.
"Wiki is not showing her death like others are posting#saharadavenport is this a hoax?" asked @NotScubaSteve.
Davenport's Wikipedia page has since been updated with a confirmation of the October 1 death.
According to the Wikipedia page, Davenport began his drag career as he earned a degree in dance at Southern Methodist University. The Dallas native then moved to New York City to perform at bars and clubs.
Davenport became a contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race in 2010, but he also appeared on shows such as 15 Films about Madonna, Magnificent Obsessions, and One Life to Live. He also released two singles.
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