Atlanta’s LGBT community is in mourning after learning of the sudden and unexpected passing of popular drag performer Lateasha Shuntel. Shavonna Brooks, a close friend and colleague of Shuntel broke the news Wednesday afternoon on Facebook.
“It is with great sadness that I inform the community of my sister Lateasha Shuntel‘s passing,” wrote Brooks.”
“Lateasha was found peacefully this morning in her vehicle and was not the victim of foul play THANK GOD! I am hurt, crying, a mess, tore up, anything you can think of at this point.”
An iconic drag queen, Shuntel was a mainstay and crowd favorite as a drag performer at Blake’s on The Park. She also worked as a distributor for DAVID Atlanta Magazine and Southern Voice, the LGBT predecessor to Georgia Voice.
David Atlanta writes on Facebook: “We are devastated to learn this morning of the passing of our longtime delivery driver Lateasha. She was a treasured member of the David Atlanta family and a beloved personality in our office. She will be sorely and dearly missed.”
Condolences are pouring in all over social media.
Shuntel’s immediate family has been informed of her passing and a GoFundMe is being established to cover any forthcoming expenses. The cause of death is unknown at this time. Georgia Voice will continue to keep you informed as more details become available.