Maxi Shield, beloved Australian drag queen, dies aged 51

Maxi Shield, a well-known Sydney drag performer and season one contestant on RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under, has died at 51 after a throat cancer diagnosis.

Maxi Shield, a well-known Sydney drag performer, has died after a throat cancer diagnosis. She performed under the name Kristopher Elliot and was 51. Shield was a mainstay of the Sydney drag scene and brought Australian drag to an international audience as a contestant on season one of RuPaul's Drag Race Down Under. Key facts: - Shield announced a throat cancer diagnosis in September last year and stepped back from some performances. - She withdrew from a Kath & Kim show at the Edinburgh Fringe last year with fellow Drag Race Down Under alum Art Simone. - She had recently returned to performing on Oxford Street in Sydney and was due to host a sold-out Mardi Gras viewing party at the Oxford Hotel. - Tributes came from peers and community organisations, including Michelle Visage, Mardi Gras organisers, Art Simone and venue operators. Summary: Her death has prompted tributes from fellow performers and community organisations, who said her absence will be felt at Mardi Gras events. Undetermined at this time.