Sahara Davenport of 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Dead at 27

The drag queen, born Antoine Ashley, mourned by fans, network, mentor

Antoine Ashley, better known as Sahara Davenport (pictured in photo, center) from the second season of the reality talent show "Rupaul's Drag Race" has died at the age of 27. The cause of death was unknown.

Logo, the television network that has carried "Drag Race" since the show premiered in 2009, released a statement regarding Ashley.

"Logo is profoundly saddened by the passing of Antoine Ashley who fans around the world knew and loved as Sahara Davenport. 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 network said in a statement.

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Earlier this year, Ashley released a single, "Go Off," which reached No. 35 on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart.

RuPaul expressed his condolences via Twitter Tuesday morning.

"Shocked & heartbroken over @SaharaDavenport. Never occurred to me that we'd ever lose one of my girls. I see them as immortal."

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