Reality TV star and influential drag performer dies at 44
Castro-Arabejo's family shared the news on Instagram, stating that the star passed away 'surrounded by her loving family and close friends' on Sunday morning. The news brings a sudden and unexpected end to Castro-Arabejo's career of 20-plus years, which included appearances on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and various spinoffs, and a recurring role in the TV drama 'Pose.'
'Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light,' the statement said. 'Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever.'
Castro-Arabejo's family had shared a serious health update about the performer just days earlier, announcing that she had lost 'most of her right leg' due to a 'severe infection.' As a result, the post announced that Castro-Arabejo would not appear as a judge in the next season of 'Drag Race Philippines' as planned.
Working as a judge on the 'Drag Race' spinoff brought Castro-Arabejo back to her birthplace in previous seasons of the show; the performer immigrated to New York from the Philippines as a child. Over the course of her decades-spanning career, she appeared on three different versions of the 'Drag Race' reality TV series: first as a contestant on 'RuPaul's Drag Race' and 'RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars,' and later as a judge on 'Drag Race Philippines.'
'We are devastated by the passing of Jiggly Caliente, a cherished member of the Drag Race family,' reads a statement from 'RuPaul's Drag Race' on Instagram. 'Her talent, truth, and impact will never be forgotten, and her legacy will continue to slay — always. We're holding her family, friends, and fans close in our hearts during this difficult time.'
Castro-Arabejo came out as transgender in 2016, and later told Billboard that she was transitioning while on 'Drag Race' but 'wanted to keep my personal life and my work life separate.'
'I didn't want it to be my storyline, because being a trans woman is not what defines me, and I didn't want me being a trans woman have anything to do with the show,' she said.
Castro-Arabejo's family released an additional statement via Instagram on Monday that revealed in-progress plans for both private and public services. The post also asked fans to donate to a GoFundMe page that is raising money to help pay for costs relating to the star's funeral, memorial services, medical bills, and 'related expenses.' Her family stated that they will donate any leftover money to causes that Castro-Arabejo 'cared deeply about — causes that fought for the people she fought for every day."
'We want to honor her the way she lived: loud, proud, full of color, full of heart,' the most recent statement reads. 'We are putting together a Celebration of Life that will be a true reflection of her spirit — not just mourning her loss, but celebrating the incredible, unstoppable life she lived."
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