80s rocker's fiancee dies at sea after falling off cruise ship
Share and Follow

The fiancee of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe has died at sea after falling overboard from a cruise ship.

According to Kimberly Burch’s mother, Carnell Burch, the 56-year-old fell from a room balcony after a heated argument with the 60-year-old rocker during The 80s Cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas, on March 2. Carnell Burch shared this information with TMZ.

Carnell mentioned that Taime contacted her on Monday to inform her about Kimberly’s death. It is still uncertain whether Kimberly fell accidentally or jumped from the ship. Carnell expressed confidence that her daughter would not have intentionally harmed herself.

Kimberly was drinking on the cruise, Carnell said, which was ‘out of character for her.’

Kimberly’s mother also disclosed that her daughter was not experiencing depression or emotional distress at the time. She was looking forward to the cruise, which was on its first day and featured performances by artists such as Squeeze, Adam Ant, Tiffany, and Men at Work.

She had traveled on the seven day cruise to support Taime, who was performing with the punk band. The cruise departed from Miami and was set to visit Nassau, San Juan, and Labadee.

The fiancee of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe has died at sea after falling overboard from a cruise ship - pictured Kimberly Burch and Downe hours before her death Sunday

The fiancee of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe has died at sea after falling overboard from a cruise ship – pictured Kimberly Burch and Downe hours before her death Sunday

Downe, 60, is the lead vocalist of the iconic 80s metal band - pictured 2013 with Xristian Simon, Danny Nordahl, and Ace Von Johnson

Downe, 60, is the lead vocalist of the iconic 80s metal band – pictured 2013 with Xristian Simon, Danny Nordahl, and Ace Von Johnson

Burch, 56, fell to her death shortly after a heated argument with the rocker, 60, during The 80s Cruise on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas (pictured) on March 2

Burch, 56, fell to her death shortly after a heated argument with the rocker, 60, during The 80s Cruise on the Royal Caribbean cruise ship, Explorer of the Seas (pictured) on March 2

Hours before her death she posed up with Downe on the ship and wrote: ‘We made it to @the80scruise.’

A Royal Caribbean Group spokesman told DailyMail.com: ‘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.’

Kimberly is said to have gone overboard on the first day of the cruise around 11pm EST – with a guest claiming on X she had  ‘jumped from the balcony of her 8th floor room’ 80 miles from Miami.

They wrote: ‘Currently on the #RCL Explorer of the Seas for the #80scruise. Unfortunately, we have a “woman overboard’ situation and boats have been deployed. We are currently 80+ miles from Miami at 11pm PST. Not good.

‘It looks like the woman “jumped” from the balcony of her 8th floor room after an argument with her partner. This is our 15th cruise, and the first time we’ve actually experienced this.

‘Clearly, the priority is recovering the woman. And the boat has turned around and is at a dead stop. They have deployed boats for the search. Could be a long night…. 

Another guest wrote: ‘Person overboard on Royal Carribean Explorer of the Seas. On the 80s Cruise. Just saw a great show by Squeeze, then it was announced a person is overboard. Ship is stopped and searching. Other nearby ships helping. 

A US Coast Guard spokesperson said the incident happened roughly 20 miles from Freeport, Bahamas.

The Coast Guard deployed a helicopter crew and other personnel to assist the Royal Bahamas Defense Force in their search – which was later suspended.

She had traveled on the seven day cruise to support Taime, who was performing with the punk band. The cruise departed from Miami and was set to visit Nassau, San Juan, and Labadee

She had traveled on the seven day cruise to support Taime, who was performing with the punk band. The cruise departed from Miami and was set to visit Nassau, San Juan, and Labadee

Kimberly is said to have gone overboard on the first day of the cruise around 11pm EST - with a guest claiming on X she had 'jumped from the balcony of her 8th floor room' 80 miles from Miami

Kimberly is said to have gone overboard on the first day of the cruise around 11pm EST – with a guest claiming on X she had ‘jumped from the balcony of her 8th floor room’ 80 miles from Miami

Guests aboard the ship posted messages about the search on X

Guests aboard the ship posted messages about the search on X 

Kimberly and Taime had been together for around 'five or six years'

Kimberly and Taime had been together for around ‘five or six years’

Kimberly and Taime had been together for around ‘five or six years.’ 

A passenger also told THR: ‘There was an announcement over the PA saying someone went overboard so the ship was going to stop and turn around to try and locate the person.

‘[The] ship was stopped for a few hours. Safety boats were deployed with floodlights to illuminate the surrounding area. Another cruise ship nearby had its floodlights on searching as well. My wife spoke with some people on one of the decks saying they heard that it was a woman and it was caught on camera. Can’t confirm though. 

‘Eventually the ship powered up and off we went. This morning a PA announcement said that the US Coast Guard had taken over the search. We arrived at Nassau, Bahamas a few hours behind schedule. No excursions were canceled. Haven’t heard anything since.’

Kimberly was drinking on the cruise, Carnell said, which was 'out of character for her'

Kimberly was drinking on the cruise, Carnell said, which was ‘out of character for her’

DailyMail.com has contacted representatives for Taime Downe, The 80s Cruise and Royal Caribbean for comment.

Glam metal band Faster Pussycat formed in 1985 comprised of Downe, guitarists Greg Steele and Brent Muscat and bassist Kelly Nickels.

They forged a successful career over the late 1980s and early 1990s, selling over two million records worldwide 

They have released four albums, Faster Pussycat (1987), Wake Me When It’s Over (1989), Whipped! (1992) and The Power and the Glory Hole (2006).

They broke up in 1993, but reformed in 2001. 

Former drummer Brett Bradshaw died on March 26, 2021, at age 50.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Texans told it may be DAYS until they can leave homes as storm hits US

Texans Advised to Stay Indoors for Several Days Amid Severe Storm Impacting the US

Residents across Texas are being cautioned that they might need to stay…
Alex Honnold's climb of Taipei 101 skyscraper delayed by 24 hours

Alex Honnold’s Ascent of Taipei 101 Skyscraper Postponed by 24 Hours

Alex Honnold, the climber famed for his daring ropeless ascent of Yosemite’s…
White House, DHS push back on claims ICE targeted 5-year-old in Minnesota, say child was 'abandoned'

ICE Denies Misleading Claims on Family Separation and Labels Minnesota Church Rioters as Violent

A senior official from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) pushed back…
Man injured in South Austin, Chicago stabbing during attempted robbery on CTA Green Line train on North Central Avenue: CPD

Shocking CTA Green Line Stabbing: Man Injured in Violent Robbery Attempt in South Austin, Chicago

CHICAGO (WLS) — Early Friday morning, a passenger on the CTA was…
Bachelorette star Emily Maynard becomes a grandmother at age 39

Bachelorette Alum Emily Maynard Celebrates Becoming a Grandmother at 39

Emily Maynard, known for her time on The Bachelor, has celebrated an…
FBI agent probing ICE shooting of Renee Good resigns

FBI Agent Leading Investigation into ICE Shooting of Renee Good Steps Down

An FBI agent who embarked on an investigation into the deadly shooting…
ICE in Chicago: Eighteenth Barber Co. Ponte Tus Moños fundraiser in Pilsen to support families impacted by immigration operations

Chicago’s Pilsen Fundraiser: Eighteenth Barber Co. Mobilizes Community Support for Families Affected by ICE Operations

CHICAGO (WLS) — In a unique show of solidarity, a local activist…
AMC to screen Oscar-nominated films, including 'Sinners,' 'Bugonia,' and more

AMC Theatres Unveil Exclusive Screenings of Oscar-Nominated Films ‘Sinners,’ ‘Bugonia,’ and More

The anticipation surrounding the Academy Awards is palpable, and AMC Theatres is…