Canada’s Drag Race star ‘traumatised’ after ‘near fatal’ accident

Canada’s Drag Race star Ilona Verley has shared a health update with fans while on bed rest after being involved in a ‘near fatal motor vehicle accident’.

Content Warning: This article contains graphic depictions of severe injuries, including blood. Proceed with caution.

Ilona Verley, who appeared on the first season of Canada’s Drag Race in 2020, has shared that they “almost lost [their] life” after being involved in a motor vehicle accident in “this past week”.

While Verley is recovering on “majority bed rest for the next 1-2 months”, they have told fans that they are “really scared and traumatised about what the future holds”.

Though details of the accident are unclear, Verley, who is Two-Spirit, shared a photo of themself in a hospital bed with their face covered in blood, and wearing a neck brace.

In an Instagram post, Verley wrote, “Any support financially or via sharing is so appreciated from the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful to be a member of so many incredible communities who have raised me, now I ask please help me heal.”

Information on the Drag Race star’s crowdfunding page via GoFundMe gives further details on the extent of the star’s injuries.

“Ilona was involved in a near fatal motor vehicle accident,” the page reads, before listing their injuries as including: “A bone laceration across the forehead into the upper nose”, “A deep laceration in one eyebrow”, “Broken nose”, “Dislocated jaw”, “Concussion”, “Fractured spine” and more.

The description reads: “Further spinal injuries are suspected, unfortunately at this time [they] will be non-visible on initial imaging until scar tissue develops often 5-7 days later (this will be reassessed at a follow up appointment this coming week) .

“Ilona will be scheduled to a rehabilitation program once well enough and cleared by doctors to move on from bed rest when their body allows, and will remains under their mother’s care during this time.

It adds: “Much of their income comes from public speaking and performances, both of which rely heavily on their physical presence, energy, and appearance. This accident not only threatens their health but their livelihood.”

Many contemporaries and fans of Verley, including several Drag Race alum, have sent the star their well-wishes, such as Canada’s Drag Race season four champion Venus and Canada vs. the World season two winner Lemon.

“I’m so glad you’re alive. We got you, babe — sending you so much love,” wrote Venus while Lemon added, “Sending you love and hoping your recovery is quick and as pain free as possible.”

All Stars 8 winner Jimbo commented, “Sending love Sis,” and Joella, from season 17 of the flagship franchise, wrote, “omg sister pls feel better soon.”

The GoFundMe page, which at time of reporting has raised 58% of its $14k goal, adds, “We are incredibly grateful that Ilona survived this horrific event, their recovery will be lengthy, physically, emotionally, and financially hard/draining. As all who know Ilona is resilient, and we are walking this path with them.

“Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this time.”