RuPaul’s Drag Race star Cherry Valentine passes away aged 28

Their family confirmed the news last weekend.

George Ward, who performs under the drag name Cherry Valentine, has passed away at the age of 28, their family have confirmed. George, who hailed from Darlington in the UK appeared on the second season of the UK edition of RuPaul's Drag Race. In a statement, their family announced that they passed away last weekend. It read: "‘It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away. "This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced. "As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same." They added: "We understand how much he is loved and how many lives he has inspired and touched. All we ask is for your patience and your prayers in this time. We love you Georgie." As well as working as a drag queen, George was a qualified mental health nurse. They also appeared in a BBC Documentary – Gypsy Queen and Proud – in which they revisited the Traveller community in which they were raised. Over on Twitter, tributes have been pouring in for George. BBC Three described Cherry as a "fan favourite and an inspiration to so many." https://twitter.com/bbcthree/status/1573222869642928137?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet Throne Events, where George worked as a director also released a statement which read: "It is with the deepest sadness and heartbreak that we announce the passing of our beloved friend and company director George – Cherry Valentine. "We are still in schlock from the news and we ask for your patience and thoughts at this time. "To George's family, friends and fans we are sending you all so much love. "We will always remember George with love and we will always remember his art, creativeness, dedication to mental health services and his contagious laugh."