Antoine Ashley, or Sahara Davenport, Died From Heart Failure
The representative for "RuPaul's Drag Race" star Antoine Ashley, also known as Sahara Davenport, said Wednesday that he his client died from heart failure this week.
When news arrived that Davenport had died Monday, his cause of death was unknown. The classically trained dancer and television personality died at John Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Md.
Davenport's publicist did not give any more information about the star's cause of death, according to TheWrap.
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The reality television star competed alongside 11 other drag queen contestants to become America's Next Drag Superstar on "RuPaul's Drag Race." Despite his dancing skills, Davenport was eliminated from the show during the sixth episode of the season for lacking a "rock n' roll" attitude, according to Metro Star News.
Many people posted their grief over Davenport's death on social media sites all week, including the network Logo.
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," posted the entertainment brand.
"He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need," the network continued on Tuesday.
Davenport had been dating Karl Westerberg, who appeared on season three of "RuPaul's Drag Race."
Moreover, Ashley's mother, Angela Ashley Reddish, shared her grief in a statement.
"I thank God for giving me an angel, Antoine Ashley, to share with the rest of the world," she said, according to TheWrap. "My family and I would like to thank everyone for their condolences and support. We know that our angel is now dancing in Heaven. May God bless each and every one."
In addition to earning a BFA in dance performance from Southern Methodist University, Davenport learned to be a drag performer on the Dallas nightclub circuit.
The New York City native also had a career in music and released his second single "Go Off" just last year. Davenport's credits also include appearing in music videos "Girl Problems" by the group Girl Problems and "Getting Over" over David Guetta and Chris Willis.
