“RuPaul’s Drag Race” is mourning the loss of beloved crew member and songwriter Gabe Lopez, who died after a brief battle with cancer. Lopez’s mother, Connie Howard, confirmed his death in a statement shared Monday on his verified Instagram account.
In her statement, Connie revealed that her son died Sunday following what she described as a “brief but intense battle with lymphoma.”
Lopez’s Mom Shares Heartbreaking Statement
In a fitting tribute to his talented and kind son, Howard remembered him as “loving, kind, talented,” and shared the family’s grief in a heartfelt message.
“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,” her statement read.
“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.”
Overwhelming Tributes Pour In: Drag Race Stars, Friends & Fans Share Tributes
Following Howard’s post, tributes poured in from stars who worked closely with Lopez.
“Devastating to hear, sending so much love he was a true gem,” wrote Blu Hydrangea. “Oh no, this is horrible and heartbreaking, shocking news. Sending love to You,” reacted Diane Warren.
“My heart is shattered… my fellow Lopez… we love you so much.. I’ll visit you in the music,” added Mayan Lopez.
“He was an incredible talent, man and friend.. I’m so glad I knew Gabe in this life… my deepest condolences and sending all my love.”
Taiga Brava wrote: “He will be forever missed. ❤️🩹✨ My condolences and forever grateful for having spent time together and have worked alongside such an incredible person and artist 😭💫”
Fans also filled the comments with messages of grief and remembrance, including “Rest In Peace. Gone too soon,” and strings of red heart emojis.
One comment read, “Gabe was too good for this world, and there won’t be a day where his absence doesn’t leave a hole in my chest. I’ll never forget his smile, his laugh, or all of the little pranks he’d play. I could only hope that more people would be as kind, loving, and pure as he was. I love you and miss you, Gabe. If life was fair, you’d have surpassed us all tenfold. 💔”
Jim Verraros also shared his grief, writing, “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.”
Musician Freddy Scott wrote, “Love you Gabe the nicest human I’ve ever met, an immensely talented collaborator and spirit. Rest in peace ❤️”
Another friend reflected on their memories together, saying, “Gabe only ever showed me kindness, warmth, and joy. I’ll never forget him driving me around in his car and listening to music on a night out in Hollywood. I am so happy we will hear more of his music soon. I’m so sorry for your loss 💐💜”
A final message captured the shock felt across the community: “I did not expect to see this today😢 I’m shocked and saddened to hear Gabe has passed. Life is short. Gabe made a huge impact in the communities he loved. His music will reverberate for years to come.”
Production Company Shares Emotional Statement
The show’s production company, World of Wonder, also shared a statement mourning the loss.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Gabe Lopez. Gabe was a unique combination of musical brilliance, kindness, and sharp wit. His impact through RuPaul’s Drag Race & beyond is immeasurable. We mourn a great talent and a greater friend. His melodies play on in all of us.”
Lopez was an Emmy-nominated music professional whose work spanned television and film. He was widely respected not only for his creative talent but also for his presence behind the scenes.
