What happened to Jiggly Caliente? Tributes paid as Drag Race star dies at 44

RuPaul's Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has after being rushed to hospital with a severe health setback which forced her leg to be amputated. The 44-year-old star, who hails from the Philippines, shot to fame on Drag Race US before going on to compete in the Philippines edition of the show this year - but she had to withdraw from filming due to a "severe infection".

What was Jiggly Caliente's cause of death?

Jiggly's cause of death hasn't been officially confirmed, but it is likely to do with the "severe infection" she sustained. A statement posted to her Instagram account on Thursday (April 24) originally confirmed: "The family of Bianca Castro, known to many as the beloved drag performer Jiggly Caliente, is heartbroken to share that over the last month Bianca has experienced a serious health setback. Due to a severe infection, she was hospitalised and, as a result, has undergone the loss of most of her right leg.

"Because of these circumstances, Bianca will not be appearing in the upcoming season of RuPaul's Drag Race Philippines, nor will she be participating in any public engagements for the foreseeable future. Her recovery will be extensive."

What did Jiggly's family say?

Sadly, despite an outpouring of support from fans, the family announced she had passed away "peacefully" on Sunday (April 27) at 4:42am, "surrounded by her loving family and close friends".

The statement added: "A luminous presence in the worlds of entertainment and advocacy, Jiggly Caliente was celebrated for her infectious energy, fierce wit, and unwavering authenticity. She touched countless lives through her artistry, activism, and the genuine connection she fostered with fans around the world.

"Her legacy is one of love, courage, and light. Though her physical presence is gone, the joy she shared and the space she helped create for so many will remain forever."

Jiggly Caliente's health struggles

It's not the only health scare Bianca faced. She confessed back in 2015 to Xtra*: "I had a health scare two years ago and I ended up in the hospital, so ever since then my eating has changed. Now I love mashed potatoes, but I don't necessarily eat them with fried chicken all the time anymore, you know?

"It came to a point where I said, 'I'm not the skinny, gorgeous girl. I'm the big gorgeous girl. Get it!' There's a role for everybody and my role is the big, sexy girl."

Tributes for Jiggly Caliente

Tributes have flooded in from fans around the world, with one posting: "Drag Race star Jiggly Caliente has sadly died just days after having her right leg amputated. You'll always be an icon."

Another wrote: "RIP Jiggly Caliente, your quotes and legacy are going to make generations smile and laugh for a very long time."

And a third echoed: "Rest in peace, Jiggly Caliente. 'You can call me Jiggly' and the world did, with love. She broke barriers for queens of color & trans women, proving that authenticity & heart could move mountains."