George Ward, better known as drag queen Cherry Valentine, has died at the age of 28.
Mx Ward competed as their drag alter-ego in the second series of Ru Paul's Drag Race UK, which aired in 2021.
"It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away," Mx Ward's family said in a statement.
"As his family, we are still processing his death and our lives will never be the same. 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."
The family did not reveal the cause of Mx Ward's death.
Other Drag Race competitors have shared memories and condolences for Mx Ward.
"So shocked to hear about Cherry Valentine's passing. It's so incredibly sad. She was an incredible artist, and her impact will be felt for a long time. Rest In Peace queen," said Drag Race US's Shea Couleé.
Drag Race All Stars season six competitor Scarlet Envy remembered Mx Ward as "a healer".
"So very sad to hear of the passing of Cherry Valentine. You were a healer, what a beautiful thing to be. Sending love to family, friends and community grieving the loss of this beautiful person."
A book of condolences on Mx Ward's official website has more than 1,500 messages at the time of writing.
Mx Ward became a qualified mental health nurse in 2015 and returned to the front line after COVID-19 halted Drag Race UK production for several months.
Born and raised in a Traveller community in Darlington, UK, Mx Ward parlayed their Drag Race appearance into a television documentary.
Cherry Valentine: Gypsy Queen and Proud premiered on BBC Three in January of this year and detailed their experiences growing up LGBTQI+ in the community.
"My first memories playing out with all the lads on one of the camps, I felt like I should be playing with the girls in the trailer with the dolls and doing my hair and I just didn't ever feel like I fitted in properly," Mx Ward said in a promotional video for the documentary.
BBC Three Controller Fiona Campbell shared her condolences on behalf of the BBC.
"We are all shocked and heartbroken to hear the news of the passing of George, known to many as Cherry Valentine," she said.
"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."
Mx Ward’s family has started a GoFundMe campaign to raise money in order to hold a vigil in their honour.
