Detectives investigating the death of a well-known drag artist nearly two years ago have released CCTV footage of three men they want to speak to.
Steven Grygelko, who was known by the stage name Heklina, was found dead in a flat in Soho, central London, on 3 April 2023, by friend and fellow drag performer, Joshua Grannell, known as Peaches Christ.
The pair had been in London to perform in Mommie Queerest, a parody of the 1981 film Mommie Dearest, which was set for a two-week run at Soho theatre.
The Metropolitan police said officers were called by the London ambulance service to a residential property after reports of a person “found unresponsive”. The person was pronounced dead at the scene and was later identified as Grygelko, 55, the force said.
Grygelko’s death is being treated as unexpected and remains under investigation while officers liaise with the coroner, the Met said.
DCI Dean Purvis, from the central west command unit, said: “Our thoughts are with Steven’s family and friends who still have a lot of unanswered questions about what happened to him.
“We know that the three men in the CCTV images were at the flat in the early hours of 3 April 2023.
“I am asking them to contact police. We need to establish what happened, and how Steven was when they left.
“If you recognise any of the men, I would encourage you to let us know who they are.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting CAD 1824/03Apr23.
Grygelko was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in the US, before moving to San Francisco.
The artist’s family and friends have been seeking answers about the case for nearly two years. Questions have been raised as to why it took so long to issue an appeal. The Guardian has been trying to find out about a date for an inquest into Grygelko’s death for three months.
Grannell confirmed the death on social media on 3 April 2023, writing: “I am shocked and horrified to bring this news to you. I am living in a real-life nightmare so forgive me if I don’t have all the answers just now. This morning, in London, England, I went to collect my dear friend Heklina, who is co-starring with me in a Mommie Queerest show here, and found her dead.
“I do not know the cause of death yet. I know this is shocking news and I am beyond stunned, but I wanted to let folks know what has happened. Heklina is not just my best friend, but a beloved icon of our community. I am a mess.”
