American reality TV star and music producer Lucian Piane has died at age 46 after being hit by a car in an early-morning crash.
Piane, best known for his work as a producer, composer and judge on hit TV series RuPaul’s Drag Race, was struck by a vehicle on Monday morning in the Californian city of Glendale, TMZ reports.
Emergency services raced to the scene after reports a pedestrian had been hit by a car at San Fernando Road and Harvard Street around 4.15am.
Despite first responders’ efforts, Piane was unable to be saved and died in the street after suffering blunt trauma.
“Firefighters and paramedics provided emergency medical care to an adult patient at the scene,” Glendale Fire Department told People.
“Despite lifesaving efforts, the patient was pronounced deceased at the scene.”
According to records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, Piane’s death has been ruled an accident. The circumstances surrounding the tragic accident are still under police investigation.
The production company behind RuPaul’s Drag Race, World of Wonder, paid tribute to Paine in a heartfelt statement.
“We are devastated to learn of the passing of Lucian Piane,” it reads.
“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.”
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Piane’s career spanned TV, film, theatre and digital media where he found his biggest success as composer, songwriter and music producer.
He was a major creative force behind the sound of RuPaul’s Drag Race from season one through to season eight, where he was a composer, producer and frequent on-air guest judge and mentor.
Piane collaborated with the show’s host and drag icon, RuPaul, on a number of the series’ biggest hits as a co writer and producer of Cover Girl, Sissy That Walk, Jealous of My Boogie, Peanut Butter, Geronimo, Freaky Money, The Beginning, Born Naked, Champion, Sexy Drag Queen, I Bring the Beat, Let the Music Play, Feel Like Dancin and Main Event.
He achieved career success away from RuPaul’s Drag Race, with the composer receiving an RIAA Platinum Album Award for his production and music assistance on Hairspray: The Soundtrack to the Motion Picture.
Piane was also recognised with a Grammy nomination and reached internet fame for his satirical techno mixes he shared under the name RevoLucian.