RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Star George Ward Dies At 28

The passing of George Ward has left friends and families grieving. The 28 Y.O., with the stage name Cherry valentine, had made their appearance at the second edition of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK before starting a TV career and starring in the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen and Proud.

“It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George, Cherry Valentine, has tragically passed away,” a statement read.

George’s family added: “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. 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 at this time. We love you, Georgie.“

George was brought up in Darlington, County Durham, part of the Romany Traveler community. Before commencing their career as Drag Queen, they qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015. They had claimed being a nurse gave them the exposure they needed to be able to understand people better. Tributes have since poured out from co-stars, including Bimini Bon Boulash and Tia Kofi.  

Bimini, George’s co-star in season two, paid respects to the star claiming they were “one of those souls so pure, so raw, and so real.”

Bimini, who goes by the name Tommy Hibbitts, made a post on Twitter, writing: “At a loss for words. One of those souls so pure, so raw, so real. I’m 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,” They also complimented George as one with an ‘infectious spirit.

More so, Luke Underwood, known as Cheryl Hole, expressed her grief, claiming that the world had lost an ‘incredible queen.’ 

“I never thought I’d have to write something like this about such a talented and beautiful person that was Cherry. We have lost an incredible queen and I’m honestly devastated! RIP @TheCValentine I LOVE you.” Bo Zeng, a fellow performer at the ‘drag,’ also tweeted, “My cab just stopped for a second at a sign pointing to ‘gypsy hill’ and I started crying again FFS. Everyone check in on your friends and loved ones, you never know when’s your last chance x.”

Drag artist Laurence Bolton also paid tribute to her former co-star and friend as she said in a tweet, ‘Completely devastated and shook by the news about our friend Cherry.”

“She was extremely kind, generous, and talented before appealing for donations for her vigil and sharing a link.  Charlotte Hawkins, the Good Morning Britain presenter, also said of George: “Very sad to hear that Cherry Valentine has died, aged just 28. We met back in June at Epsom – so full of life then, it’s hard to believe. Sending love to George’s family & friends, just heartbreaking,”

“Winded by the devastating news about Cherry Valentine. I can’t believe it. A true queen. Rest in peace, my dear,” Amrou Al-Kadhi, drag queen and author Glamrou, tweeted.