It is with immense sadness and disbelief that we announce the passing of Drake Pascale Shelton.

To many, Drake was larger than life.

From the moment he could walk, he was dancing, singing, laughing, performing, and finding ways to bring joy to the people around him. Drake danced on the Cibola High School dance team and, following graduation, coached and choreographed for dance programs in Albuquerque and Los Angeles. He later became a host and dancer for Dance, Dance, Dance, It's a Teen Thing and studied dance at the University of New Mexico.

Many knew him as Dyonne Dahl-the fierce, glamorous, unforgettable queen who commanded attention the moment she entered a room. As Dyonne, Drake mesmerized audiences throughout New Mexico's entertainment community, creating moments of joy, celebration, and self-expression that will be remembered for years to come.

But those closest to Drake know that his greatest gift was never the performance; It was people.

Whether he was on stage, behind the bar at Effex Nightclub or the Albuquerque Social Club, teaching dancers, or simply chatting one-on-one, Drake had an extraordinary ability to make people feel seen and heard. He welcomed everyone with warmth, quick wit, genuine curiosity, and a laugh that could turn a stranger into a friend. He didn't just know people-he built community.

To his family, he was simply "Drakey"-a beloved cousin, brother, and friend whose humor, compassion, and larger-than-life spirit brought endless laughter and unforgettable memories. He possessed a rare combination of confidence and kindness, fierceness and tenderness. Drake was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Carol Milligan Shelton, whose kindness, compassion, and generous spirit lived on through him every day.

He is survived by his brother, Spencer Shelton; father, Paul Shelton; sister, Diva Shelton; aunt, Charla Rice; cousins, Ashley Lowe, Nicholas Boyden and Marshall Medrano; extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and an enormous chosen family of friends, performers, coworkers, and community members whose lives are better because they knew him.

Rest easy, Drakey.

Thank you for the laughter. Thank you for the love. Thank you for the dance.

A celebration of life will be held this Friday, June 19 at 5 p.m. at Effex Nightclub in Albuquerque.