The world has lost a drag superstar.
Performer Antoine Ashley — who shot to fame as Sahara Davenport on season two of RuPaul's Drag Race in 2010 — has passed away at age 27.
Logo, the network behind the beloved reality show, confirmed the passing on its Facebook page Tuesday morning, although the cause of death has not been disclosed.
He is survived by boyfriend Karl Westerberg, who competed on season three of RuPaul's Drag Race as Manila Luzon, and the pair released a duet, "Baby It's Cold Outside" in December 2011.
"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport," Logo's statement reads. "He was an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed by his Logo family. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family, especially his boyfriend Karl, in their time of need."
The Dallas, Texas native earned his BFA in dance at Southern Methodist University, where he honed his skills at a drag performer. Arriving in NYC, he landed gigs at gay bars and nightclubs, and soon landed roles in A&E's 15 Films About Madonna, Voom HD's Magnificent Obsessions plus One Life to Live and Judge Karen; he also appeared in the video for "Gettin' Over" by David Guetta and Chris Willis.
He was eliminated in the sixth episode of RuPaul's Drag Race during season two. As Sahara Davenport, he also released the singles "Pump With Me" and "Go Off."
"Shocked and heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport," RuPaul tweeted. "Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of our girls. I see them as immortal."
Tweeted a grieving Karl Westerberg: "I love him so much."
