We were saddened to hear that Sahara Davenport, one of the more popular contestants on Season 2 of LOGO channel’s drag queen competition show RuPaul’s Drag Race, and a staple performer at bars and clubs in the city, passed away last week at the young age of 27 from heart failure. A classically trained dancer, Sahara –who’s real name was Antoine Ashley– and his boyfriend Karl Westerburg who was the runner-up on Season 3 and goes by the name Manila Luzon were longtime residents of Harlem.
LOGO will dedicate the first episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars to Sahara’s memory on October 22nd and a public memorial including tribute performances by Sahara’s industry friends and entertainers is planned for Friday, November 2, at XL Nightclub in NYC.
Rest in Peace, Sahara.
