One of Toronto's most beloved drag queens has died after collapsing in his dressing room following a performance with a local theatre company.

Chris Edwards was rushed to hospital on Aug. 26 after a live performance with the Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, in which he starred as Whitney Houston, Tina Turner and Michael Jackson. He died in hospital Tuesday. He was 54.

It's unclear what caused Edwards to collapse, but it's believed he died of cardiac arrest.

"It's big news in this community," said Dean Odorico, the manager at Church Street bar Woody's, a popular spot for drag queens.

Tributes for Edwards poured in on social media, especially from Toronto's LGBT community.

Scott Gary Major wrote, "I am totally shocked. What a truly sad day for Toronto and the performance community. Chris was and always will be a legend."

"I will miss you Chris Edwards. I have seen you every trip to Toronto. You were not just a drag queen to me, you were a friend," Robert Ryan wrote in a Facebook post. "You are with all the greats now."

"RIP Queen Chris Edwards," another user, Donnie Corbett, wrote. "[You'll] always have a place in my heart and be forever treasured by many... sad day."