RuPaul's Drag Race crew member Gabe Lopez has died after a tragic and "brief" battle with cancer. Tributes poured in for the Emmy-nominated star after his mother, Connie Howard, confirmed his death via her son's Instagram page. On Monday (January 26), she opened up about Gabe's cause of death and shared that he died just one day prior, after a “brief but intense battle with lymphoma. Connie continued: "We, the family, are heartbroken to lose our deeply loved Gabe and cannot imagine life without his joy and laughter, his generous love and sincere kindness. Gabe has so many wonderful people in his life.
"This is a deeply felt loss for all of us, but Gabe would want everyone to cherish the good memories and hold him forever in our hearts." Addressing his fans, Gabe's mother added: "In the coming days, we will share a post about Gabe and what he meant to us. As we make arrangements to celebrate his life and love, we will share those with you." The late star's comments were immediately inundated with tributes from heartbroken fans and his celebrity pals as Paris Hilton shared: "I am so sorry for your loss. Sending love to everyone who knew and loved him. He wrote the @ParisAndPups theme song, and it was such a fun and special song to sing thanks to him. His music will live on."
Actor Drew Seeley added: "Unreal, I am so so sorry to hear this. What a sweet, generous soul. Always felt heard and validated after talking to him; he had a real warm magnetism. Rest in peace."
As American Idol singer, Jim Verraros echoed: "I don’t even know what to say. @gabelopez, you changed my life for the better. I will always hold you close in my heart."
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