The Northern Echo has opened an online book of condolence for people to leave their tributes to George Ward, who was also known as drag artist Cherry Valentine.
Ward was raised in Darlington, County Durham as part of the Traveller community and qualified as a mental health nurse in 2015, before starting his career in drag - his family confirmed on Friday (September 23) that he'd died at the age of 28.
The 28-year-old, who died on Sunday, appeared on the second series of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, before launching a TV career and fronting the BBC documentary Gypsy Queen And Proud.
A statement from his family said: “It is with the most heart-wrenching and deepest sadness to inform you that our George – Cherry Valentine – has tragically passed away.
Read more: RuPaul's Drag Race performer George Ward, known as Cherry Valentine, dies aged 28
“This will come as a profound shock to most people and we understand there is no easy way for this to be announced.
“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.”
You can leave your own message using the tool at the bottom of this page.
Messages will be moderated before appearing online so there may be a delay before you see it here.
Pay your respects to Cherry Valentine here
Pay your respects to Cherry by leaving a message in the box below along with your name and location. We will be publishing them throughout the day.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here