The death of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield was confirmed months after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 51-year-old contestant found fame after competing on the first season of the Australian version of the reality show, where she finished in sixth place.
Last August, at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Maxi, real name Kristopher Elliot, shared the heartbreaking news that she had been taken to the hospital following an “issue with a swollen gland” that was pushing blood vessels on her throat.
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Maxi later revealed that the tests had confirmed, “this little swollen thing on the side of my throat is cancer.” After undergoing chemotherapy to shrink the tumor, she completed her final treatment in January.
RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under star Maxi Shield dies following cancer diagnosis
In an Instagram post shared today (February 23) by the company Wigs By Vanity, they confirmed the sad news that Maxi had passed in a statement.
“It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we share the news that our dearest sister, Maxine, has passed away.
We are all mourning the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister,” they wrote.
“Thank you for the laughs, the cackles, and the magic you brought into our lives. I will cherish every second of our 30-year friendship and I’m so grateful that I was a part of your chosen family. You will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you old girl,” they added.
A cause of death has not been revealed.
‘She was so special’
Immediately, tributes flooded in.
“I am beyond devastated and will cherish all the joy and laughter we shared! Sending a lot of love,” one user wrote.
“Oh no, I’m so sorry to hear! Sending lots of love. She was so special,” another person shared.
“What an absolute darling! A sad moment for Aussie drag. RIP Icon,” a third remarked.
“Maxi you brought so many people joy and light. We will remember you as the icon you forever are,” a fourth said.
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