How did Valencia Prime die? Philadelphia drag queen, 25, collapsed on stage
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: A young drag queen named Valencia Prime shockingly died while performing at a bar on Monday night, September 12. The incident happened at Tabu Lounge and Sports bar. The transgender woman was just 25 years old when she fell unconscious onstage. Her cause of death is not known yet.
Prime, who called herself “Philadelphia's Plus Size Dancing Diva,” was remembered as “a very bright and rising star” by Tabu Lounge. In an Instagram post, it wrote, “Today we mourn the loss of a very bright and rising star in the performance community and a person who was always full of life and positivity. We say goodbye to Valencia Prime but we will not forget the light you brought to the stage.”
ALSO READ
Who is Yara Sofia? Video shows little girl tipping drag queen baring fake breasts at Michigan bar
Who is Pandora Boxx? NY drag queen started catchphrase trend on 'RuPaul's Drag Race'
In another Instagram share, the bar added, “We have been asked about hosting a show in honor of Valencia Prime and we are communicating with their family to make sure we have their blessing and input. We will keep everyone updated.”
Valencia's heartbroken mother Christiana Marcus-McRae wrote in a Facebook post, “25 yrs ago, April 2nd at 7:58pm, I gave birth to my 2nd child and today, I'm making funeral arrangements…” Her devastating post attracted a lot of comments, with one saying, “Thinking of you Christiana. Prayers to your family.” Another one wrote, “My Condolences,and my prayers to you and your family, Bless your heart ♥.” “Sending you n your family my deepest sympathy n condolences..Valencia was a great sista friend n will be truly missed,” the third one added.
Sexuality educator Dr Timaree Schmit tweeted a tribute post for Prime, “This community has suffered so much loss in the last few years. Valencia Prime was a talent and a delightful person. Rest in power, babe.”
This community has suffered so much loss in the last few years. Valencia Prime was a talent and a delightful person. Rest in power, babe. pic.twitter.com/oK9vFgpcP6
— dr timaree (@timaree_leigh) September 13, 2022
Another drag performer said on Facebook, “I’m trying. I’m trying to be strong and I’m trying to brave because you were the one the taught me how to be strong and brave. The pain I feel right now is something I wish on no one. You are and will forever be my light. I wish I knew how to keep going without you. I wish I knew how to be inspiring too others that are hurting right now… but a piece of my soul has been taken from me and I’m struggling to pick myself up off the ground without you. I love you with everything in my heart Valencia. Rest in power.”
Meanwhile, Prime’s friend Nikita Alicea has started a GoFundMe for her family. Alicea said, “Dearest friends and family, It is with a heavy heart that we let you all know that our sweetest Valencia Prime has passed away peacefully. We would love for the community to help her mother and the rest of her family give her the proper memorial we know she deserves.”
“Any donation can be sent to the go fund me that was created on behalf of & with the permission of her mother & family. The fundraiser is for the family of Valencia Prime . I would be receiving the fund to my personal bank account and getting a cashier check to bring to the family. Thank you,” Alicea concluded.