'RuPaul's Drag Race' Alum Lucian Piane Dead at 46
Lucian Piane, a music producer and occasional Rusical guest judge on “RuPaul’s Drag Race” has died. He was 46.
via: People
Piane died on Monday, Oct. 12, according to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
When reached for comment, the Glendale Fire Department confirmed to PEOPLE that it responded to a reported traffic collision involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at San Fernando Road and Harvard Street at approximately 4:15 a.m. local time on Monday. “Firefighters and paramedics provided emergency medical care to an adult patient at the scene. Despite lifesaving efforts, the patient was pronounced deceased at the scene,” the department shared, noting that it could not confirm the identity of the person involved.
A spokesperson for the Glendale Police Department later confirmed to PEOPLE that the pedestrian was walking in the road at an intersection when he was struck by a vehicle. Responding officers found no evidence of a DUI, speeding, or running of red lights, with authorities believing it to be an accident. The pedestrian did not have ID on him, according to authorities, though he did have a citation to his name for a city smoking ordinance.
Piane contributed to the first several seasons of Drag Race, and was notably behind “The Baddest Bitches in Herstory” (from RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 2). Piane’s other musical numbers from the show included “Shade: The Rusical,” “Rucapella,” “Glamazonian Airways (Part 1 and Part 2),” “Hot in Tuckahoe” and many of the finale songs including the three from season 8: Bob the Drag Queen’s “I Don’t Like to Show Off,” Naomi Smalls’ “Legs” and Kim Chi’s “Fat, Fem & Asian.”
He co-wrote and produced RuPaul‘s biggest hits including “Cover Girl,” “Sissy That Walk,” “Jealous of My Boogie,” “Peanut Butter,” “Geronimo,” “Freaky Money,” “The Beginning,” “Born Naked,” “Champion,” “Sexy Drag Queen,” “I Bring the Beat,” “Let the Music Play,” “Feel Like Dancin” and “Main Event.”
Piane earned his Bachelor of Music in Composition from New York University in 2003. He worked alongside composer Marc Shaiman on Team America, Rumor Has It, Hairspray, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me and the 76th Annual Academy Awards, per his website.
He also scored and wrote songs for Making The Boys, Sorority Row, An Omar Broadway Film and Pretty Ugly People. Piane’s writing also extended to songs for two touring productions of Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus and PBS’ Sid The Science Kid.
He notably worked on the theme to RuPaul’s Drag Race.
Outside of Drag Race, Piane was Grammy nominated for his work on the Hairspray film soundtrack, and also worked with artists including Sia.
In a social media post, World of Wonder, the production company behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” wrote, “We are devastated to learn of the passing of Lucian Piane. Lucian left behind a legacy of truly beautiful music. May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician. Rest in peace, Lucian.”
Michelle Visage, who is a producer and judge on the franchise shared, “Such a beautiful soul, so talented…such a loss.”
He also earned a Grammy nomination for his work on the soundtrack to the 2007 “Hairspray” film.
Before his death, Piane battled with substance abuse and mental health issues. Fans and friends had been voicing concern for Piane online after he posted a series of alarming videos on Instagram. Many were asking him to “get sober and stay sober” and writing “This is so sad to see. Lucian please seek help.”
Journalist Larry Flick wrote a tribute to Piane, writing, “Lucian was my friend. It wasn’t always easy. He was troubled, complicated, and filled with rage that he didn’t know how to manage. Like many, I tried to help until he made it impossible. Guilt right now is real. The way he left this life was tragic and brutal. But I pray rest and peace await him on the other side.”
Piane was born on Oct. 4 in Kansas City, Mo.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
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