As Christmas approaches, some fans are still only just learning about the tragic death of Kirsty MacColl, who brought us the classic 'Fairytale of New York' along with The Pogues.
Christmas is upon us and that means that we get to hear our favorite festive tunes blasted as loud as we want them.
One song that will undoubtedly pop up, as it's a firm favorite, is 'Fairytale of New York'.
The song, a duet with Shane MacGowan and The Pogues, remains one of the most beloved Christmas classics, showcasing MacColl's talent to an audience spanning generations.
Sadly, Kirsty MacColl, whose voice brings us the amazing song each year, died in a tragic accident in 2000, per the Mirror.
The singer had headed to Cozumel, Mexico, for a holiday with her sons and boyfriend, James Knight.
While diving with her children in a designated no-watercraft zone, the group surfaced to find a speeding powerboat barreling toward them.
Acting selflessly, MacColl pushed her son Jamie out of the boat’s path but was struck herself, suffering fatal head and chest injuries. She died instantly.
Her funeral took place at Mortlake Crematorium in Kew on January 20, 2001, where friends, family, and fans paid their final respects.
The powerboat involved in MacColl’s death was owned by Carlos González Nova, founder of the Comercial Mexicana supermarket chain.
His employee, José Cen Yam, was at the helm and was convicted of culpable homicide.
Despite his conviction, Cen Yam avoided prison, paying a fine of just £61 and a modest sum to MacColl’s family.
Outraged by the handling of the case, MacColl’s family launched the Justice for Kirsty campaign, advocating for a judicial review and greater accountability from the Mexican authorities, per the Daily Star.
Despite widespread public support, the campaign ended in 2009 after Carlos González Nova’s death.
The remaining funds were donated to charity, with MacColl’s family expressing that “Kirsty would have approved.”
Born in Croydon, London, on October 10, 1959, MacColl built an illustrious career spanning the 1980s and 1990s.
She became a standout figure in the new wave and alternative rock scenes while remaining deeply rooted in folk music, per The Sun.
Before launching her solo career, MacColl lent her voice as a backing singer for iconic bands like Simple Minds and The Smiths.
Her breakout solo success came in 1981 with There’s a Guy Works Down the Chip Shop Swears He’s Elvis, a country-pop hit that climbed into the UK Top 20.
Later, her cover of Billy Bragg’s 'A New England' charted at number seven, cementing her as a solo artist of note.