Former 'RuPaul's Drag Race' songwriter Lucian Piane dies at 46 after car accident
Lucian Piane, a songwriter and former guest judge on RuPaul’s Drag Race, died from blunt trauma in a death ruled accidental by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner. He was 46.
Piane passed away on Oct. 12, according to medical examiner records cited by People.
The Glendale Fire Department told the outlet that they responded to an accident involving a vehicle and a pedestrian at the intersection of San Fernando Road and Harvard Street in Glendale, California, at around 4:15 a.m. local time on Monday.
Firefighters and paramedics provided emergency care to an unidentified adult patient, who was pronounced dead at the scene despite lifesaving efforts.
A spokesperson for the Glendale Police Department later told People that the pedestrian had been walking in the road at an intersection when he was struck by a vehicle. Authorities found no evidence of driving under the influence, speeding, or running a red light.
The medical examiner’s investigation remains open.
Piane was known for composing music for the early seasons of RuPaul’s Drag Race, including “The Baddest B*****s in Herstory,” “Shade: The Rusical,” and “Glamazonian Airways.” He also worked on the show’s theme song.
He collaborated with RuPaul on several songs, including “Cover Girl,” “Sissy That Walk” and “Jealous of My Boogie.”
"We are devastated to learn of the passing of Lucian Piane," World of Wonder, the producer of Drag Race, wrote in an Instagram post.
"Lucian left behind a legacy of truly beautiful music. May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician."
Outside the reality competition series, Piane worked with composer Marc Shaiman on projects including the 2007 film Hairspray, which earned a Grammy nomination for its soundtrack.
Piane graduated from New York University with a Bachelor of Music in composition in 2003. His other credits included Team America, Rumor Has It, and Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me.
He also battled substance abuse and mental health issues. In 2021, he was arrested twice for public intoxication and felony vandalism.
In August, he revealed that he had been sober for over a year.
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