Chi Chi DeVayne death: RuPaul leads tributes to ‘generous and loving’ Drag Race star who died aged 34

Fellow ‘Drag Race’ star Jaremi Carey described her as ‘one of the purest, kindest people I have ever crossed paths with’

Tributes have poured in for the late RuPaul's Drag Race star Chi Chi DeVayne, who died yesterday at the age of 34.

DeVayne, whose real name was Zavion Davenport, had been in hospital since 16 August following a pneumonia diagnosis in early August.

World of Wonder, Drag Race's production company, confirmed the news of DeVayne death, writing on Twittter: “We’re heartbroken to learn that Chi Chi DeVayne has passed away today.

"Her drag spread a message of love and kindness that truly touched each person she met. Rest in power, Chi Chi."

Chi Chi DeVayneonstage during the finale party for RuPaul'sDrag Race season eight in 2016 (Getty Images)

Countless drag artists, Drag Race contestants and fans of DeVayne have shared tributes to the DeVayne in the wake of the news.

Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones tweeted: "Aw man!!! So sad to hear about @chichidevayne RIP my sweet!!"

Writer and artist JP Brammer said that he was "so upset", and described DeVayne as "a brilliant light of a person".

Drag performer Jaremi Carey (known to Drag Race fans as Phi Phi O'Hara) wrote: "One of the purest, kindest and most loving people I have ever had the chance to cross paths with. Sleep well you beautiful human! #ChiChiDevayne."

The Louisiana-born performer came fourth in the eighth season of Drag Race in 2016.

She would perform and tour in the years that followed, before returning to Drag Race for its third All Stars season, wherein she finished seventh.

Drag Race presenter RuPaul Andre Charles also released a statement about the late drag star.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne," he wrote. "I am so grateful that we got to experience her kind and beautiful soul.

"She will be dearly missed, but never forgotten. May her generous and loving spirit shine down on us all."