Drag queen is killed when automotive crashes into lorry as household pay tribute to ‘infectiously sunny’ 35-year-old

A drag queen has been killed when a car crashed into a lorry, with his family paying tribute to an ‘infectiously sunny’ son and brother.

Gareth Stephenson, 35, was killed after his white Hyundai i10 collided with a lorry on a busy A-road on the A470 near Llanidloes, mid Wales.

The drag community has come out in mourning as they described the performer, who performed under the name ‘Dynasty Blake’, as ‘a rising star, the power haus of Aberystwyth’.

Mr Stephenson had been a regular act in west Wales and the north of England, and had performed just two days before in Aberystwyth.

In an emotional statement, his family paid tribute to someone who loved ‘all things dramatic’ and ‘lit up every room’.

They said: ‘Words can’t describe how much pain this devastating loss has caused our family and will, undoubtedly, cause the people that Gareth has met throughout his life.

Gareth Stephenson, 35, was killed after his white Hyundai i10 collided with a lorry on a busy A-road on the A470 near Llanidloes, mid Wales

The drag community has come out in mourning as they described the performer, who performed under the name ‘Dynasty Blake’, as ‘a rising star, the power haus of Aberystwyth’

‘Gareth lit up every room with his infectiously sunny smile and always knew how to make people laugh, whether that be through his love for singing, dancing and all things dramatic or just simply being himself.

‘We know that Gareth was well-loved and will be missed by so many people.

‘As a family we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and love that we have received from so many people and we take comfort knowing that Gareth had such a big impact on so many people.

‘We would like to take this time to thank everyone who was a good friend to Gareth. We are forever grateful for the impact you made on his life.

‘As a family we will use this time to reflect on our memories of Gareth, we will laugh and cry together and will miss Gareth every minute of everyday.

‘Gareth will leave a big hole in our lives and we can’t even begin to come to terms with his unexpected passing. We would ask that people respect our privacy at this time whilst we begin to grieve for our beautiful son and brother.’

Police attended the two-vehicle collision between a white Hyundai i10 and a white lorry at 10.30pm on Sunday.

They confirmed that the driver of the small hatchback died at the scene. 

Kiki Babs, who starred on stage alongside Mr Stephenson in the days before his death, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media after the news was revealed.

They said: ‘Goodbye was too soon, we shall see each other again someday on stage. You might have to wait a while though. Take care Dynasty Blake (Gareth Stephenson)

‘You was a pain in the a** at times but you always had a heart of gold and would do anything for anyone.’

A candlelit vigil, followed by karaoke and a DJ set will be held in Mr Stephenson’s honour on February 9.

The event was shared on social media by his twin sister, Kim, who said he ‘always loved being star of the show’.