Fairytale of New York, whether it’s being belted out at a boozy office bash or echoing through the car radio on the Christmas drive home, continues to hold significant cultural sway.
The 1987 track, with Shane McGowan’s distinctive slurred singing style and Kirsty MacColl’s husky tones, arguably remains the nation’s favourite festive tune.
However, Kirsty, who partnered with The Pogues for the iconic song, never truly witnessed its worldwide influence.
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In 2000, disaster struck when she was involved in a terrifying incident that led to her death.
(Image: Redferns)
The British vocalist, who would have turned 65 today (October 10, 2024), was holidaying in Mexico with her two sons, James and Louis, and her partner James Knight. Having spent a year-and-a-half in the studio working on fresh tunes prior to the trip, the holiday was intended as a much-needed break for Kirsty and her family.
Kirsty and her loved ones were soaking up the sun, sea and sand on Conzumal Island in Mexico when she decided to go scuba diving off the coast with a certified instructor. The area was considered safe for diving, with boats prohibited from entering the waters.
However, as Kirsty was surfacing after exploring the marine life with her sons, she spotted a 10-metre powerboat heading their way. In a heroic act, Kirsty pushed one son out of the boat’s path and shielded the other, only to be hit by the powerboat’s propeller.
(Image: Redferns)
Tragically, she died instantly on December 18, 2000 aged 41.
The yacht was owned by Guillermo Gonzales Nova, one of Mexico’s mega-rich elite.
According to deckhand Jose Cen Yam, he was at the helm when tragedy struck, yet onlookers claimed otherwise.
He got slapped with a verdict of culpable homicide for his part in Kirsty’s tragic demise and a jail term of just shy of three years – but he never saw the inside of a cell, instead coughing up 1034 pesos (a measly £40) to Mexican authorities and $2,150 (£1,615) to Kirsty’s family.
(Image: Redferns)
Kirstys mother, Jean MacColl, launched into a crusade for justice against Nova, whom she pinned as the culprit in her lass’s death. Support poured in from heartbroken fans for the Justice for Kirsty fundraiser.
But by 2009, after hitting every legal blockade, Jean threw in the towel. Chatting to The Guardian, she confessed: “It felt dishonest to go on, to keep asking for money, when we don’t feel we’ve got a chance.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
