Lucian Piane was released from jail less than five hours before the collision that killed the former RuPaul’s Drag Race composer and guest judge, according to a timeline reported by TMZ.
The 46-year-old musician died early Monday, Oct. 12, in Glendale, California. The latest reporting concerns a disturbance at an Embassy Suites hotel the previous evening.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner classified his death as an accident caused by blunt trauma, according to records reviewed by PEOPLE. The outlet reported that the medical examiner’s case remained open.
Piane worked on Drag Race from its 2009 premiere through Season 8 in 2016. His assignments included writing original music, coaching contestants through recording sessions and appearing on the judging panel.
Hotel Staff Reported Spitting and a Refusal to Leave
An Embassy Suites employee called Glendale police around 6:30 p.m. on Oct. 11, according to the arrest report described in TMZ‘s follow-up. The employee said Piane was smoking in the lobby, throwing items at the front desk and refusing to leave.
The caller subsequently reported that Piane had spat at the front desk and at the person contacting authorities, then thrown water around the lobby. Several people, including guests, were present. Officers arrived around 6:35 p.m. and detained him shortly afterward.
TMZ’s earlier account cited law-enforcement sources who alleged that Piane had thrown a water bottle at the hotel manager. Those sources said he cooperated with officers during the arrest.
Piane Received a Citation and Was Released at 11:49 P.M.
Police arrested Piane on suspicion of assault around 6:45 p.m. He was booked at 7:42 p.m., then cited and released at 11:49 p.m., according to TMZ’s timeline.
A Glendale police spokesperson separately confirmed that arrest to the Los Angeles Times. The spokesperson also said officers had arrested Piane the previous day, Oct. 10, on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance.
TMZ reported that he received a citation following the earlier encounter as well and had been scheduled to appear in court Monday.
The Driver Stayed at the Scene and Called 911
Glendale firefighters and paramedics responded to San Fernando Road and Harvard Street at approximately 4:15 a.m. Monday. The fire department told PEOPLE that crews provided emergency treatment to a pedestrian struck by a vehicle but could not save him.
Police subsequently identified the pedestrian as Piane. A department spokesperson said he had been walking in the roadway at the intersection and did not have identification with him when officers arrived.
NBC Los Angeles reported that the vehicle was a sedan and that its driver remained at the scene and called emergency services. Police told PEOPLE they found no evidence that the driver was impaired, speeding or running a red light.
His Credits Included ‘Shade: The Rusical’ and ‘Sissy That Walk’
Piane’s compositions included “Shade: The Rusical,” “Glamazonian Airways” and the All Stars challenge “The Baddest Bitches in Herstory.” He also created individual finale numbers for Bob the Drag Queen, Naomi Smalls and Kim Chi.
Writing for the competition meant preparing material before knowing what the cast could manage vocally. In a March 2014 interview with Out, Piane recalled hoping that season’s contestants would include strong singers after working on an earlier season without them.
He also valued what performers could bring through characterization. “Fortunately, musical theater is a little more forgiving because you can act through a song,” he said.
His recordings with RuPaul included “Cover Girl,” “Sissy That Walk” and “Jealous of My Boogie.” He contributed opening vocals to “Geronimo” and told Out that RuPaul surprised him by adding his name as a featured performer.
World of Wonder Remembered a Friend and ‘Master Musician’
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World of Wonder, the production company behind Drag Race, paid tribute to Piane on Oct. 13. Longtime judge Michelle Visage also expressed her sadness and praised his talent. “May his struggles never dim the memories of a sweet man, a dear friend, and a master musician,” the company wrote.