Kimberly Burch, the fiancée of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe, has died after going overboard on the first night of The ‘80s Cruise, a nostalgia-themed music cruise featuring performances from Faster Pussycat, Warrant, Dokken, Firehouse, Squeeze, Adam Ant, Tiffany, and Men at Work.
According to TMZ, the incident occurred around 11 p.m. on March 3, aboard the Royal Caribbean Explorer of the Seas. A search operation was launched, involving the ship’s crew and two nearby vessels, but Burch was not found.
Burch’s mother, Carnell Burch, told TMZ that her daughter had been involved in a heated argument with Downe before going overboard. However, she emphasized that Kimberly “wouldn’t purposefully hurt herself.” Authorities have not yet confirmed whether she fell accidentally or jumped.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group told THR: “Our crew immediately launched a search and rescue effort, is working with local authorities, and we are providing support and assistance to the guest’s family during this difficult time. To respect the privacy of our guests’ family, we have no additional details to share.”
A U.S. Coast Guard spokesperson said the ship was approximately 20 miles from Freeport, Bahamas, when the incident occurred.
A Facebook post from Burch’s family on Tuesday said she “will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her,” and asked for prayers “during this time for our family as we try to wrap our minds around this heartbreaking tragedy.”
Downe and Burch had reportedly been together for six to seven years. Just last month, Burch shared a heartfelt Valentine’s Day post featuring photos of the couple, writing, “Happy Every Day! From your first hello to me, I fell head over heels in love. You are my Valentine every day of my life. We are a tornado at times and pure raw love. I wouldn’t have it any other way. We do us like no other. I love you with my entire heart and soul.”
Faster Pussycat, formed in the mid-1980s, became one of the defining acts of the glam metal era, selling over two million albums worldwide and touring with rock legends like Alice Cooper, Ozzy Osbourne, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, and Kiss.