The drag world was shaken to its core when news broke that Jiggly Caliente, the vibrant and unapologetically fierce star of RuPaul’s Drag Race and Drag Race Philippines, had passed away at just 44 years old. Her death came suddenly, following a brutal and heartbreaking health battle that few outside her inner circle even knew she was fighting.
The details that emerged painted a devastating picture: a severe infection, an emergency leg amputation, and a rapid decline that left her family, friends, and fans reeling. Jiggly, whose real name was Bianca Castro-Arabejo, was more than just a drag performer; she was a force of nature, a trailblazer for Filipino representation in drag, and a beloved figure whose energy lit up every room she entered.
What Was Jiggly Caliente’s Cause of Death?
Her health struggles came to light in late April 2025, when her family shared that she had been hospitalized due to a serious infection. At first, there was hope. Fans sent prayers and well-wishes, assuming she would pull through as she always had. But then, on April 24, the devastating update came: Jiggly had undergone surgery to amputate most of her right leg.
The infection had spread aggressively, leaving doctors with no other choice. The announcement was gut-wrenching, not just because of the physical toll it would take on her, but because those who knew Jiggly understood how much she thrived on movement, performance, and the sheer physicality of drag. The stage was her sanctuary, and the idea of her losing a leg felt like a cruel twist of fate.
What made the situation even more heartbreaking was the timeline. Just three days after the amputation, she was gone. The infection, or possibly the aftermath of the surgery, had overwhelmed her body. While no official cause of death has been released, the rapid progression suggests sepsis may have played a role.
Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to infection, a cascade of inflammation that can shut down organs within hours if not treated in time. It’s brutal, unpredictable, and often deadly even in the best medical settings. Whether an underlying condition like diabetes contributed isn’t clear, but what is certain is that Jiggly’s body couldn’t fight back.
The shockwaves of her death were immediate. Social media flooded with tributes from fellow drag queens, celebrities, and fans who had been touched by her humor, her resilience, and her undeniable charisma. Laganja Estranja, her Drag Race sister, posted a tearful video remembering Jiggly’s kindness. Mistress Isabelle Brooks shared stories of backstage laughter. Divina De Campo called her a “warrior of drag.”
Beyond the glitter and the performances, what stood out was how deeply she was loved. Jiggly Caliente wasn’t just a reality TV personality; she was a mentor, a friend, and a symbol of perseverance for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially for queer Filipinos who saw themselves in her journey.
Her career had been a rollercoaster of highs and lows, but she always bounced back with even more fire. After her initial run on RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 4, she became a fan favorite not just for her looks but for her raw honesty. She spoke openly about her struggles, her identity, and the challenges of being a plus-size queen in an industry that often prioritizes a very narrow standard of beauty.
Later, as a judge on Drag Race Philippines, she brought warmth and wisdom, nurturing a new generation of drag artists with the same tough love she’d received. Her impact stretched far beyond the screen; she was a living reminder that drag could be both a celebration and a rebellion.
And now, just like that, she’s gone. The abruptness of it all feels surreal. One minute, she was posting on Instagram, living her life, doing what she loved. The next, her family was sharing the unimaginable. There’s a particular kind of grief that comes with losing someone so full of life, someone who seemed invincible. Jiggly had survived so much—industry rejection, personal battles, the ups and downs of fame—only to be taken by something as merciless as an infection. It’s a harsh reminder of how fragile life can be, even for those who seem larger than it.
In the days since her passing, the drag community has rallied together, honoring her legacy in the way she would have wanted: with glitter, laughter, and unapologetic fierceness. Memorial performances have popped up worldwide, with queens lip-syncing to her favorite tracks, telling stories of her generosity, and keeping her spirit alive. Her family has asked for privacy, but they’ve also made it clear how much the outpouring of love has meant to them. Jiggly Caliente’s light was too bright to ever truly fade, and the stories being shared now prove that.
