'Drag Race Down Under' Maxi Shield Dies 5 Months After Cancer Revelation

Maxi Shield has unfortunately surrendered to her battle with cancer!

The "Drag Race Down Under" star's passing at 51 was announced by her fellow drag queen, who shared the most touching tribute to her impact and captivating personality.

Maxi Shield rose to fame on the first season of "Drag Race Down Under" in 2021, where she emerged in sixth place.

The TV star's friend, Vanity, took to social media ten hours ago to share the story of her passing, stating that the whole circle has been thrown into mourning, "the loss of an incredible icon, friend, and our beloved sister."

Vanity thanked Shield for the endless laughs, the cackles, and the magic she brought into everyone's lives during her time on earth. She promised to cherish every second of their three-decade-long friendship, noting how glad she was to be a part of Shield's family both on screen and off screen.

"You will be forever loved and deeply missed. I love you, old girl," the post's caption concluded. In the accompanying image, Vanity and Shield were captured adorned in elaborate, dazzling outfits paired with equally dramatic hair and bold makeup.

The duo was all smiles as they struck their favorite poses in front of the camera. Vanity also shared touching posts on her Instagram story, confessing that it has been hard to come to terms with Shield's passing, and she only hopes she stops by in her dreams for a final goodbye.

Shield was indeed loved by those close to her and by her admirers on social media who swarmed under Vanity's post with endearing words and well-wishes.

"Our girl. It's gonna not be the same without her giggles in it. I'm so heartbroken," wrote Hanna Conda, who competed on "RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under" season 2.

More commenters wished Vanity peace from her hurt, testifying to her close bond with Shield and how much of an amazing friend she was to the drag queen who battled cancer briefly before she passed.

"I'm in shock. Maxi fought so hard, I watched from afar, I was always sending her prayers… may you navigate this grief slowly," this fan added. Another commenter stated that Shield's life was inspiring to them, and she will not be forgotten in a hurry for her "stoicism in the face of battle."

The TV star, whose real name is Kristopher Elliot, was dearly loved within the drag community, and her colleagues did not hesitate to send her home with golden words. Kita Mena, who competed and won on Shield's season, described her colleague as a kind queen whose death will leave a void in her heavy heart.

Mena praised her exemplary strength throughout her fight with cancer and how she will always be remembered as one of the best stars in the business. Another season one queen, Art Simone, also came through with powerful words, referring to Shield as an "inspiration, a warm heart, a cheeky girl, and an absolute drag legend."

Anita Wigl'it, who competed on "Drag Race Down Under," described the late entertainer as someone who had love for everyone and lit up the room with her positive energy.

Finally, a fellow drag queen, Cynthia Lee Fontaine, who contested on the U.S. version of "Drag Race Down Under," celebrated Shield's life by sharing a memory from their time together at drag in 2022.

She raved about Shield being there to support her through her hip replacement surgery and how she returned the favor while she battled cancer.

As shared by Attitude last September, the 51-year-old was hospitalized after doctors discovered a swelling in her throat, which she initially thought was caused by a gland pressing on blood vessels.

She then updated her fans that it was actually throat cancer and she will commence treatment for it with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The "RuPaul's Drag Race" star was optimistic about the range of treatments that might work for her, including steroids, hoping they would.

Shield continued that the doctors were worried her throat was swelling and would try to get it down to a manageable size. She tried to cheer her fans up by saying that things are looking up for her, as there is an 80% chance the journey will be fantastic and she will be back on her feet soon.

The media personality received overwhelming support from her friends and fans, who set up a fundraiser to help her cover the costs, which have already exceeded $20,000.

As the first month of the year ran to a close, Shield gave her fans a closer look at how treatment was going and how the first round of treatments was unbearable but necessary.

She gave a humorous yet detailed analysis of her reaction to treatment, adding that she hopes things look up for him in the coming weeks. Shield also announced that she would be returning to the stage on February 5 at Palms for a show, followed by another performance on February 6.

She emphasized her undying love for drag and how taking time off for a very long period has been challenging for him, adding that finally getting a performance date was the good news she needed.

The media personality stated that she may still not be fully well enough for some activity, but he would make do with the tiny lights at the end of the tunnel.

Shield concluded her post with a word of encouragement to anyone battling any form of illness, urging them to look on the bright side and believe in themselves.