Lucian Piane, 'RuPaul's Drag Race' Composer, Dies at 46
The music producer and judge was fatally struck by a car in Glendale, California.
Lucian Piane, a composer, music producer, and judge known for his work on “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” has died at the age of 46. Piane was struck by a car and killed in Glendale, California, on Monday morning.
First responders attempted to resuscitate Piane at the scene, but he was pronounced dead. According to a Los Angeles County Medical Examiner report, his cause of death was blunt trauma, and the incident has been ruled an accident.
In the days preceding his death, Piane had been taken into custody on Saturday in Glendale for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance. He received a citation. The following day, he was arrested again for alleged assault on an emergency personnel or officer, receiving another citation. He was scheduled to appear in court on Monday.
World of Wonder, the production company behind “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” issued a statement mourning Piane’s passing. "We are devastated to learn of the passing of Lucian Piane," the statement read. "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. Rest in peace, Lucian."
Piane, born in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 4, 1980, graduated with a bachelor of music in musical composition from New York University in 2003. He began his career as a composer, serving as a music assistant for the 76th Annual Academy Awards in 2004. He later worked as the music and tech assistant for the 2007 musical “Hairspray,” which earned him a Grammy nomination, and was the orchestrator for the 2008 production of “Pretty Ugly People.”
Piane joined “RuPaul’s Drag Race” for its first season in 2009 and contributed to the show through its eighth season. He was responsible for composing and producing several of the show's popular songs, including "Sissy That Walk," "Cover Girl," "Glamazon," and "Peanut Butter."