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Cause of death for beloved Bay Area drag queen Heklina made public
Heklina, whose real name was Steven Grygelko, died on April 3, 2023, while in London performing with longtime friend and fellow drag artist Peaches Christ in the musical parody Mommie Queerest.
An inquest on Sept. 15 determined that the 55-year-old performer died from acute mixed drug toxicity. London Metropolitan Police said the substances involved included cocaine, MDMA, methamphetamine, GHB and ketamine, which investigators determined had been voluntarily consumed over a 48-hour period.
Heklina Was Found by Peaches Christ
Peaches Christ, whose real name is Joshua Grannell, discovered Heklina's body after returning to the apartment they were sharing during their London tour.
The two had traveled to the United Kingdom for their stage production, and Heklina was found unresponsive after the pair had spent time apart.
Her sudden death shocked San Francisco's LGBTQ+ community, where Heklina had been a major figure in drag and nightlife for decades.
Police Say There Was No Third-Party Involvement
Following the lengthy investigation, Metropolitan Police concluded that there was no evidence of third-party involvement and that Heklina's death was not suspicious.
The conclusion comes after years of uncertainty surrounding the circumstances of her death. Police had previously released surveillance footage showing three men leaving the apartment around the time Heklina died and asked the public for help identifying them.
The men were eventually identified and questioned. Investigators determined that their involvement did not change the conclusion about Heklina's death.
The Investigation Faced Heavy Criticism
Although authorities have now closed the case, the handling of the investigation has generated significant criticism from Heklina's friends and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Peaches Christ and Nancy French, Heklina's longtime friend and executor of her estate, repeatedly questioned why the investigation took so long and why police were initially reluctant to provide information about the case.
The Metropolitan Police acknowledged that its internal review found shortcomings in the investigation and apologized to Heklina's next of kin for poor communication during the case. Police disputed allegations that homophobia influenced the investigation.
Peaches Christ Has Mixed Emotions
While the official determination brought some answers, Peaches Christ said she still has complicated feelings about what happened.
She told the San Francisco Chronicle that she was relieved to finally have the investigation concluded but said the police department's handling of the case damaged her trust.
Christ said she may always wonder whether investigators uncovered everything that happened inside the apartment, while also expressing hope that the public pressure surrounding Heklina's case could lead to better treatment of LGBTQ+ victims and their loved ones in future investigations.
Remembering a San Francisco Drag Icon
Heklina was a defining figure in San Francisco's drag scene for more than two decades.
She was known for her outrageous performances, campy drag productions and work at Oasis, the San Francisco queer nightclub she helped establish. She also co-founded the legendary drag show Trannyshack, which became an important part of the city's LGBTQ+ nightlife history.
Her death prompted tributes from performers and fans around the world, many of whom remembered her not only as a performer but as someone who helped create spaces where LGBTQ+ people could gather, celebrate and be themselves.
After years of unanswered questions, authorities have now formally determined how Heklina died. But for those who loved her, the end of the investigation also marks a reminder of the performer and community figure whose impact continues long after her final curtain call.
Source: KRON 4
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