RuPaul's Drag Race UK contestant George Ward has died.
The drag queen better known by the stage name Cherry Valentine was just 28 years old.
Ward's family announced the death in a statement that said he had died on September 18.
"It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George - Cherry Valentine has tragically passed away."
Ward was in six episodes of the UK version of the hit show RuPaul's Drag Race in 2020-2021 which aired on BBC Three.
When asked to describe Cherry Valentine, Ward said: "She is glamour, she's club kid, she's dark, she's gothic," CNN reported.
Ward was born in Darlington, England and grew up in the traveller community where he started doing drag as a youth.
Earlier this year, the drag queen appeared in a documentary titled Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud where he talked about leaving the traveller community after coming out as gay at 18 and being kicked out of the community.
Before appearing on the hit TV show, Ward worked as a mental health nurse and during the COVID-19 pandemic worked in vaccination units, CNN reported.
BBC Three's controller Fiona Campbell also offered her sympathies.
"We are all shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine.
"A fan favourite and an inspiration to so many, we were privileged to have worked with him at BBC Three.
"He will be hugely missed by his many fans and friends. Our deepest sympathies are with his family and friends at this difficult time," she said in a statement.
