Kimblery Burch, the fiancée of Faster Pussycat singer Taime Downe, died Monday after falling overboard during an ’80s-themed cruise on Royal Caribbean.
Burch’s family confirmed the tragic news of her passing in a Facebook post on Tuesday morning. “It is with broken hearts that we share the sad news that Kimberly Burch has passed away,” her family said in a statement. “She was a beloved daughter, sister, sister-in-law and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved her. We ask for prayers during this time for our family as we try to wrap our minds around this heartbreaking tragedy. We love and miss you Kimberly Burch!”
Burch went overboard around 11 p.m. on Monday, according to media reports. The Explorer of the Seas ship was stopped for several hours while multiple boats nearby searched for the missing woman. The search was then taken over by the U.S. Coast Guard and the ship resumed its scheduled route.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group said, “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 guest’s family, we have no additional details to share.”
Representatives for Faster Pussycat did not return TheWrap’s request for comment.
Burch was aboard the cruise ship to support Downe and Faster Pussycat, who were set to play. She posted a selfie on Threads with Downe on Monday with the caption, “We made it aboard @the80scruise.” The hard rock/glam metal band reportedly had a performance on Sunday as well as another show scheduled for Tuesday. Other acts scheduled to perform on the nostalgic cruise were Squeeze, Adam Ant, Tiffany and Men at Work.
A spokesperson told TMZ that the accident happened around 20 miles away from Freeport, Bahamas. U.S. Coast Guard search efforts included a helicopter search as well as the Royal Bahamas Defense Force. It remains unclear what caused the incident. The search for Burch’s body remains ongoing.
An individual who said they were onboard the RCL Explorer of the Seas during the incident said that boats had been deployed after a woman fell from the 8th floor balcony. The guest also said the couple was arguing before the incident.
Faster Pussycat was founded in 1985 by Downe, guitarists Greg Steele and Brent Muscat and bassist Kelly Nickels. The hard rock band “emerged from the ’80s Los Angeles glam scene.” The group has gone through various member changes over the years but Downe has remained a constant. They are known for songs like “Babylon,” “Bathroom Wall,” “House of Pain” and “Nonstop to Nowhere.”
Downe and Burch have reportedly been dating for over five years.
