Antonie Ashley, better known by his drag persona Sahara Davenport, was buried today in a private funeral service in Rockville, MD, the Snowden Funeral Home confirmed. The 27-year-old entertainer passed away on October 1 due to heart failure.
Ashley rose to prominence as Sahara Davenport on the second season of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Drag Race season four cast member Dwayne Milan posted on his Facebook page today:
As you are being laid to rest today I am reminded of our last time together. The last thing we said to each other (with kool-aid smiles) was, “I love you.” I feel so blessed to have been able to sit and talk with you and say that to you face to face. Please tell Alvin Ailey and Whitney I said hello and PLEASE learn those monologues from the Women of Brewster Place! Lol. You spirit will always stay in the hearts of many and your talent will never be forgotten. Though your body is gone, your soul lives on….
With love,
Dwayne Milan
Ashley’s boyfriend of six years, Karl Westerberg, also known as season three contestant Manila Luzon, mentioned that he had been surrounding himself with friends and family while preparing to “say goodbye to Antoine one last time.”
A public memorial celebration, including tribute performances by Sahara’s industry friends and entertainers is planned for Friday, November 2, at XL Nightclub in NYC. Logo will also dedicate the October 22 premiere of RuPaul’s All Stars Drag Race to Sahara’s memory.
Photo: Sahara Davenport Facebook Fan Page
muscl954
What causes a 27 year old to die from heart failure?
Lefty
Very sad news.
RIP x
Dumdum
May the Goddess bless her and keep her in love. So mote it be. What can I say, we Faeries love our Queens. Right girls?
Motard
@muscl954:
Myocarditis, congenital defect, rheumatic fever, Marfan syndrome, Chagas’ disease…
It’s actually kind of a long list; most just happen to be relatively rare.
Tessie Tura
I’ve read the drug rumors. I don’t care if she was found in a bathtub with a crack pipe shoved up her ass. She’s gone, and her friends and fans grieve her passing, okay?