Kimberly Burch, the 56-year-old fiancée of Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe, is presumed dead after reportedly falling overboard from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship near the Bahamas.
The incident occurred on Sunday, March 2, approximately 20 miles from Freeport, Bahamas, during the first day of The '80s Cruise where Faster Pussycat was scheduled to perform. The seven-day cruise had departed from Miami earlier that day.
According to Kimberly's mother Carnell Burch, who spoke with TMZ, Downe personally called to inform her about the tragic incident. The exact circumstances of how Kimberly went overboard remain unknown. Carnell noted that her daughter had been drinking on the cruise, which she described as unusual behavior.
Royal Caribbean confirmed that their crew immediately launched search and rescue operations upon learning of the incident. The U.S. Coast Guard assisted the Royal Bahamas Defense Force in the search efforts, though operations were later suspended. No body has been recovered.
"Our crew is working with local authorities, and we are providing support and assistance to the guest's family during this difficult time," stated a Royal Caribbean spokesperson, who declined to share additional details out of respect for the family's privacy.
Downe and Kimberly had been in a relationship for over five years before this tragic incident. Representatives for Faster Pussycat, Royal Caribbean, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Entertainment Cruise Productions have not provided additional comments when contacted.