Various sources are reporting Sahara Davenport, one of the more popular contestants on Season 2 of RuPaul’s Drag Race—and partner to fellow Drag Race entrant Manila Luzon—has passed away at age 28.
As Antoine Ashley, Davenport was born and raised in Dallas and attended Southern Methodist University, where he earned a BFA in dance. After moving to New York, Davenport scored appearances in One Life to Live, Judge Karen and the video for David Guetta and Chris Willis’ “Gettin’ Over.”
In addition to a successful performance career, Davenport released two singles: “Pump with Me” (2010) and “Go Off” (2011).
Though details have yet to emerge about Davenport’s passing, Drag Race judge Michelle Visage confirmed the death via Twitter: “It’s true and I have no words. Have to sign off for now kids, can’t handle this. XOXO.”
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Other Drag Race performers also took to social media to extend their condolences: “A beautiful angel has been added to Heaven. Rest in peace my sweet friend,” tweeted Jujubee. “We will miss you, Sahara Davenport.” While Season One winner Bebe Zehara wrote, “I am deeply saddened and at a lost for words. @SaharaDavenport – I Love you sis.”
Luzon tweeted simply, “I love him so much. ”
Photo: Jeffrey James Keyes
charlatanhayes
Great job, Queerty. Did you even try to confirm this or were you just going for page hits? Wankers.
Cam
@charlatanhayes:
Considering that Michelle Visage has confirmed it, as well as the fact that around 10 of the fellow performers have verified it, that is valid.
But you know, you go ahead and post an attack and an insult on an article about somebody possibly dying at the age of 28. Nice to see how much you actually give a shit.
So sorry to hear about this if it is true and I hope Saharra’s family and especially Manilla are doing ok.
Pamela
Considering Kelexis Davenport 9her drag mother), pretty much all of the other RPDR queens (who are all in contact with one another), Michelle Visage, and a huge portion of the drag queen community in NYC have all posted about her death, I’m going to go ahead and say that this is true.
Pamela
Considering Kelexis Davenport (her drag mother), pretty much all of the other RPDR queens (who are all in contact with one another), Michelle Visage, and a huge portion of the drag queen community in NYC have all posted about her death, I’m going to go ahead and say that this is true.
charlatanhayes
@Cam: Fair enough and my apologies. I checked a few other sites that claimed that it was an erroneous report. Nevertheless, the “attack” was not on Sahara Davenport. I was very sad to hear this news and am very sad to hear that it has been confirmed.
Fitz
28 is far too young. I hope she knew some peace before she left.
Cam
@charlatanhayes:
I get what you were doing, sorry if I came off harshly.
charlatanhayes
@Cam: No problems. I was really disturbed by the news and totally jumped the gun. Sorry to Queerty as well. So sad :[
Dionte
That’s so sad.
Raquel Santiago
@charlatanhayes:
Yes they did was confirmed by some last night when my cell phone was going off for like 3 hours.
Raquel Santiago
DSA’s and my hearts and prayers go out to the family of Sahara.
jjkeyes
Sending lots of love to Karl and Antoine’s close friends and family. Sahara Davenport was always wonderful to be around. We already miss you.
Boricuaex
You know, Sahara (Antoine) and Manila (Karl), will go down in history as the original drag power couple on tv. Sahara Davenport was a slick, saavy, polished drag queen who knew the industry and was a force to reckoned with on RuPaul’s Drag Race. May she rest in peace; now Sahara Davenport will truly be a star in heaven. My deepest and most profound condolences to partner and their extended families.
Jack Jett
So sad. There is a lesson to be learned from the first post. I am as guilty as anyone and in my old(er) age have attempted to be less bitchy. 28…is far too young. What an awesome life though.
Colterd
Manila I am so sorry sahara was one of my favorite girls
Hang in their baby it will be ok and remember life is good and life goes on
oilburner
That’s so sad.
hotshot70
So sad to hear. My sincerest condolences to Sarhara’s family (drag and birth) and to Manila> Much love to all!
ScaryRussianHeather
?@RuPaul
“Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we’d ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal.”
This is awful. Antoine and Karl were so in love and sweet together. Their videos together are inspirational.
reesielover
I am so sorry to hear this wonderful woman has passed away. From the moment I saw her I was absolutely crazy about her and spent many hours fantasizing about how wonderful it would be to be with her. Now, unfortunately, this is one guy who will spend many hours mourning the loss of a wonderful person. RIP Sahara, I will miss you terribly.
Dave
Rockery
Sad – what happened?