ANTOINE ASHLEY OF 'RUPAUL'S DRAG RACE' DIES AT 27

[xchrom]

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/U/US_OBIT_ANTOINE_ASHLEY?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2012-10-03-05-00-50


FILE - In this March 19, 2011, file photo, Manila Luzon and Antoine Ashley, known as, Sahara Davenport arrive to the 22nd Annual GLAAD Media Awards in New York. The Logo TV channel says that Antoine Ashley, a contestant who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race" as Sahara Davenport, has died. Ashley was 27. A channel spokesman says the cause of Ashley's death Monday, Oct. 1, 2012, was not immediately released.(AP Photo/Charles Sykes, File)

LOS ANGELES (AP) -- The Logo TV channel says that a contestant who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race" as Sahara Davenport has died. Antoine Ashley was 27.

A channel spokesman says the cause of Ashley's death Monday was not immediately released. His manager, David Charpentier, says a statement is being planned by his family.

Logo said in a statement Tuesday that Ashley was "an amazing artist and entertainer who'll be deeply missed."

He was a contestant on "RuPaul's Drag Race" in 2010. The classically trained dancer also released a dance single, "Go Off," this year.

RuPaul tweeted that Antoine Ashley's death has left him shocked and heartbroken.

[GreenPartyVoter]

1. Much too young.

[William769]

3. Agreed.

R.I.P.

[closeupready]

2. Sad. The best years of my life started at 28.

K&R

[Evasporque]

4. very sad...we have lost so many so young for so long...

My thoughts to his family and loved ones....