Philadelphia drag performer Daelicious O’hare Mizani dies after attack

“Right now all I’m thinking about is justice,” an artist named Dalyla Mizani Cristal said in an Instagram Live around 2:30 a.m. on Friday, May 10. Cristal recorded the video to let the community know that David Manley, also known as drag personality Daelicious O’hare Mizani, has died.

In the video, Cristal thanked those who were Manley’s friends and urged them to spread the word or call the press so the community can demand justice.

Manley was living with his friend Seth at the time of his death. In the video, Cristal alluded to Manley being attacked just days before his death. Seth confirmed this.

Seth told PGN that he learned of the attack when he picked Manley up from a suburban train station at 8:30 p.m. Manley informed Seth that he had been attacked while walking to the Fern Rock Transportation Station.

“He had bruises all over his body and was in a lot of pain,” Seth said of Manley’s injuries. Manley said a group of teenagers attacked him and said they were robbing him – pushing him to the ground, hitting him “all over his body” and kicking him in the groin.

“I took him to the emergency room that night, where he was discharged,” he explained. “They didn’t want to take him in. They said it was just a small internal bruise, gave him some Percocet and sent him on his way.”

Seth said Manley stayed at his home, where he followed doctor’s orders to rest, take his medication and try to eat.

Seth explained that Manley appeared to be feeling better on May 9, before his condition appeared to change. He decided to take Manley back to the emergency room after work, but when he returned he found Manley unresponsive.

Although Manley urged Manley to report the attack to the police, he had not yet contacted the police.

In the video, Cristal asked the perpetrators to “please just get up.”

“Give yourself credit because that’s unfair,” Cristal said. “That’s unfair.”

PGN contacted Philadelphia police and neighboring jurisdictions, but they were unable to confirm details about the attack, the suspects, a possible investigation or Manley’s death.

Manley will be remembered for his vibrant personality and strong stage presence during high-energy performances that included acrobatic kicks and splits, deft hair whips and voguing.

“He is one of the best dancers this city has ever seen. He was known for his off-stage jump splits and all those stunts,” said Seth, who is also a drag performer and became friends with Manley in the dressing room at shows. “I was always fascinated by the level and quality of his artistry. I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“He was loved by so many other people in the community,” he added. “He had an impact on so many of us. His loss will leave the community feeling like something is missing.”

“He wasn’t just my friend,” Cristal told PGN. “He was my little cousin and he was my drag daughter. He was my mentee and I just want people to know that he loved nothing more than drag.”

Cristal explained that Manley was first accepted into the drag community because of his talent, but became so popular because of his character.

Community members commented on Cristal’s post expressing their condolences and remembering Manley, who was an active part of Philadelphia’s drag and nightlife scene. They described the actor as “such a light” and “an incredibly kind soul who deserved better.”

“Our city has lost one of its most gifted artists … and a truly lovely human being,” Nellierocketh wrote.

“My heart is so sad today. This is terrible,” wrote thequeenenigma. “Dae was a beautiful person full of love. So kind and so positive. My heart is broken.”

This is a developing story.