Blake Sturm
Age 25 (born 18 Sep 1999)2 Sep 2025
Roanoke, Virginia (USA)
Suicide
Blake died by suicide. He was a trans man and drag king known for seeing beauty in things others rejected and openly extending love to everything and everyone.
Roanoke in Virginia is mourning the loss of Blake Sturm, a vibrant member of the LGBTQ+ community, whose body was discovered outside his home earlier this week. Blake, 25, had been reported missing on 30 August and was found deceased on Tuesday, 2 September. Police have stated that the death does not appear suspicious, though an investigation remains ongoing.
Blake was known for entertaining crowds with his drag performances and creating a space of acceptance. His obituary paints a portrait of a person who embraced life with colour and courage. He was a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, a certified welder, and someone who found beauty in the overlooked and broken.
“Blake’s spark disappeared too soon,” his family wrote. “But the light he brought into the world will never be extinguished.”
Friends remembered him for his uplifting and bubbly personality.
“Someone you could always call, and he’s always there, and he’s always happy,” said one friend.
“There’s not a lot of drag kings in the area; he was fully trying to go full steam ahead in creating the organisation for drag kings here locally. So, I know that presence is going to be greatly missed,” added another.
https://www.wsls.com/news/local/2025/09/06/candlelight-vigil-held-for-blake-strum-in-roanoke/
https://bsky.app/profile/dchomos.com/post/3lylyujvab22c
https://www.threads.com/@diversitydream/post/DOeUfrKknC-
https://www.tharpfuneralhome.com/obituaries/blake-sturm
