Rest In Peace, Heklina

Join Statement (Peaches Christ, D’Arcy Drollinger, Estate of Heklina/Stefan Grygelko)

April 7th, 2023

It was confirmed by authorities in London that Stefan Grygelko, known widely as Heklina, died unexpectedly in her quarters in SoHo, London on April 3, 2023 at the age of 55.

Heklina had been present in London with Peaches Christ, where they were preparing to perform their stage show Mommie Queerest for audiences in London and Manchester. London's Metropolitan Police were called to their residence in SoHo by the London Ambulance Service at 9:47 a.m. local time, where Heklina was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead.

On April 6th, 2023, Heklina’s loved ones learned findings were issued by local authorities that there is no sign of foul play in Heklina’s death. The autopsy has not yet been conducted and the cause of death is not yet known.

A memorial service is being planned and details are forthcoming.

Heklina, whose name was Stefan Grygelko, was a pioneering figure in the San Francisco drag scene and an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ lives. She was the co-founder of the iconic and transgressive drag night Trannyshack, which became an important mainstay of the San Francisco nightlife scene in the 1990s and 2000s. Heklina also co-founded Oasis SF, a nightclub and cabaret venue in San Francisco, with D'Arcy Drollinger. Heklina’s work as a producer and performer included collaborations on stage and on film, with one of her best friends Peaches Christ. Heklina's accomplishments as a performer, producer, and transgressive LGBTQ+ rights advocate have left an indelible mark on drag, the entertainment industry, San Francisco, and the queer communities worldwide. 

In accordance with Heklina’s wishes, the estate of Stefan Grygelko encourages those who wish to remember Heklina, to support their favorite queer organization and/or the GLBT Historical Society in San Francisco (www.glbthistory.org).

Media inquiries: spokesperson@DragTimeWithHeklina.com