Chi Chi DeVayne dead: RuPaul's Drag Race issues statement as tributes flood in

Tributes have been paid to the "beautiful soul" Chi Chi DeVayne who has died at the age of 34.

DeVayne, whose real name is Zavion Davenport, appeared on the eighth series of Rupaul's Drag Race, as well as the third series of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars.

Her death was announced on the official Twitter page of the US TV programme alongside a tribute.

“I am heartbroken to learn of the passing of Chi Chi DeVayne," said Rupaul.

“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.”

DeVayne was reportedly admitted to hospital in the last month with pneumonia.

She shared a video on her Instagram Story from her hospital bed asking fans to pray for her.

Drag Queen Aquaria, who won the tenth season of RuPaul's Drag Race called on fans to remember DeVayne as a "symbol of kindness".

Shea Couleé who won the most recent series of RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars said she was "devastated" to hear the news of DeVayne's death.

"I’m literally so devastated and sick to my stomach," said Coulee on Twitter. "Wake me up when it’s all over".

Baga Chipz, who starred on the UK version of RuPaul’s Drag Race, said: “Chi Chi was so kind to me. At a time I was really low.

“I’m just sat here in tears. R.I.P. you beautiful angel.”

Drag Race star Farrah Moan tweeted: “Chichi was hands down one of my favorite queens to work with. I first met her right after filming s9. All my memories with her from the Xmas tours will be in my heart forever. Rest in power sweet angel.”

DeVayne described her drag as "really southern, dragged-out style of drag".

Her performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Holliday has been praised as one of the most memorable lip sync performances of the show.