RuPaul And Manila Luzon Respond To Death Of 'Drag Race' Sahara Davenport

RuPaul's Drag Race queen Sahara Davenport, born Antoine Ashley, died earlier this week of heart failure, according to his mother Angela Ashley Reddish, who released an official statement on Wednesday mourning his loss and celebrating his colorful life. "I thank God for giving me an angel Antoine Ashley to share with the rest of the world," said Reddish. "My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our angel is now dancing in heaven."

Davenport, who also starred in 15 Films About Madonna, Magnificent Obsessions and One Life To Live, competed in season two of RuPaul's Drag Race for a chance to be America's Next Drag Superstar 2010. "Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal," tweeted RuPaul Andre Charles.

Davenport's passing was also mourned by his boyfriend of six years, Karl Westerberg, a season three competitor who goes by the name Manila Luzon. "Antoine lived to entertain the world as Sahara Davenport and the world was in awe over his extreme talent. But his heart is what made us all fall in love with him," said Luzon. "To me he will always be my best friend, my hero, my diva and I have always considered myself more than lucky to have him be forever a part of my life. Thank you, hon, for bringing so much beauty to all of us. Your legacy lives on in me and all of us you've touched."

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Sahara Davenport From 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Season Two Dies