Friends and family announced on Instagram this evening that Juan “JP” Ramirez, who was last seen in Hell’s Kitchen over a week ago, “has passed away.”
“It is with heavy hearts that JP’s family is sharing that our dear friend JP has passed away,” said Ylva Erevall, a photographer who described JP as “my rock and partner in crime”.
The circumstances of his death were not shared. One friend, Paul Jessie, said: “I ask that everyone please uplift JP’s family and friends. This is not the time to ask how and what happened. This is the time to reflect on the love each of us had for JP, mourn his loss, celebrate his life, and hold each other a little tighter.”
Creative Director Lyrik Cruz paid tribute, saying: “Goodbye my dear friend. Love you forever. My heart is broken. I can’t find the word yet to explain how I feel.”
Inita D, who had led the search for JP, said: “To my drag daddy. To the man that saved my life literally and the man who pushed me to be and do better. I LOVE you. Your light touched EVERYONE more than you would ever know. Your creativity was unlike anyone I’ve ever known. You could make a dress out of a tablecloth and a belt and make it look editorial. Your laugh was infectious and loud, your soul was genuine, and your heart was made of gold. Thank you for making me a better person a better drag queen and a better human being. You are gone TOO soon but I will honor you every day and every gig! I LOVE YOU JP and I have been blessed fully to have you in my life and to bask in all of your glory! May you Rest In Peace power and glory! Xoxo”
In a recent interview with nyglamour.net, JP said that he “was blessed to assist François Nars and Lena Koro for NARS Cosmetics, doing shoots with Alexander McQueen muse Daphne Guinness, American actress Christina Ricci, and model-actress Isabella Rossellini.” When asked which was his favorite, he replied: “They are all my favorite. I spread love to everyone I have worked with evenly.”
JP’s loved ones gathered on Friday evening at Pier 84 for a candlelight vigil at 9pm to pay respects to JP.
My dearest JP. I will miss you so much. Dancing with you was always a highlight in our outings. The energy that you manifested was infectious. Que dios te tenga en su gloria amigo mío.
JP I love you. I’m so sorry I wasn’t there to help you. I’m sorry. 18 years of enjoying you has ended today. I miss you mustard. 💔💔
JP you are a shining like! I had the pleasure of working closely with you and knew instantly how large your heart was . So talented and energetic. You will truly be missed ❤️ #360TRAP
JP I am heartbroken. Your light was bright and warm. I am sending my love to your friends and family. I am sad I did not get a chance to enjoy you more. You were delight.
A beautiful person inside and out. I am deeply humbled that our spirits crossed.
https://www.the360mag.com/missing-jp-ramirez/
JP!!! I enjoyed every moment we spent together!!! You taught me so much in little time about makeup. Thank you for all of the amazing songs you showed me. You will be dearly missed!!
JP!!! Thank you so much for everything. You made me feel so comfortable, and you had the most amazing personality. So free. I miss our makeup rants. Feels like it was just yesterday. I will always remember you. Thank you for the amazing songs you sent. I love you!!
JP MY DEAR SWEET GENEROUS BEAUTIFUL KIND THOUGHTFUL LOVING TALENTED FRIEND. WORKING WITH YOU FOR OVER THE LAST DECADE HAS BEEN SUCH A BLESSING. YOU TOUCHED SO MANY WITH YOUR BRILLIANT ARTIST BRUSH, BUT ITS OUR HEARTS THAT YOU TOUCHED THAT WILL LAST IN US FOREVER. YOU ARE WHERE YOU BELONG AMONGST THE ANGELS. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU’LL EVER KNOW.
RIP BEAUTIFUL ANGEL.
You’ll be forever missed. Rest in heavenly peace beloved.
I didn’t know JP personally but seen him around, and I know we knew the same people. May he RIP. So sad, so young, and so handsome. God bless his soul, and may his family and friends find comfort and solace in God’s love and glory.