Faster Pussycat frontman Taime Downe has opened up about the heartbreaking loss of his fiancée, Kimberly Burch, who was presumed dead after a tragic fall from a cruise ship earlier this year. Downe’s emotional statement came during an interview on SiriusXM’s Trunk Nation with Eddie Trunk, where he described his current state of mind as “a roller coaster.” He shared, “I’m hanging in there. I’m just taking it a day at a time.”
The couple’s ordeal began during a cruise on Royal Caribbean, which set sail from Miami to the Bahamas in early March. Reports indicate that Burch fell overboard following a heated argument with Downe while aboard The ‘80s Cruise. The U.S. Coast Guard was called to assist in the rescue operation, which ultimately ended without finding her body. Downe revealed that the incident was “alcohol and prescription related,” but he chose to keep the specific details private, emphasizing the importance of discussing grief with close friends rather than the public.
In the wake of this tragedy, Downe has decided to embark on a tour, believing that music can be a powerful form of therapy. He expressed optimism that being on the road and connecting with fans and friends would aid in his healing process. “I’m just going out and doing what I love to do with the people I love. I think it can’t be anything but therapeutic,” he said.
Burch’s mother, Carnell Burch, confirmed that Downe personally informed her of the tragic news. She noted that while her daughter had been drinking, there were no apparent signs of distress before the incident. A statement from Royal Caribbean acknowledged the incident and confirmed that their crew had launched a search and rescue operation, working closely with local authorities to assist the family during this difficult time.
Kimberly Burch had shared her excitement on social media just before the cruise, posting a photo with Downe and expressing her joy about being on The ‘80s Cruise. The cruise featured performances from several iconic acts from the 1980s, including Adam Ant, Tiffany, Squeeze, and Men at Work. The tragic loss has left many in the music community mourning, with former Vixen lead singer Lorraine Lewis paying tribute to Burch, stating, “Devastating news. Taime & Kim are soul mates. RIP beautiful. Sending so much love to both