“Kimberly Burch committed suicide. She jumped off the boat and unfortunately… she did it right in front of Taime”
— Riki Rachtman
March 7th 2025 — More details are starting to emerge related to the horrific tragedy that took place on The 80’s Cruise and the unfortunate incident involving Taime Downe‘s Fiancée Kimberly Burch.
Today was day 5 of 7 on the week-long cruise, and according to multiple sources, Metal Sludge has learned that Downe and the entire Faster Pussycat band are all still on-board Royal Caribbean‘s the Explorer of the Seas.
We’ve also started to hear bits and pieces of things surrounding the evening of Sunday March 2nd, soon after Faster Pussycat played, and when Burch went over-board.
The unthinkable situation unfolded right off the balcony of the couple’s room resulting in a frantic search by the Crew just a hours after the vessel set sail on day 1.
It has been presumed by authorities, that Burch died after her fall from the 8th story off the 15 deck ship at around 11:00PM (EST) while the ship was roughly 20 miles off the coast of The Bahamas.
According to an update regarding the incident on the ship’s Wikipedia: “The ship stopped for search and rescue, but resumed course several hours later while the Coast Guard continued search and recovery efforts.”
Now today, one of Downe‘s life-long friends Riki Rachtman, has spoken out about what happened and the California native is clearly upset as he shared an emotionally charged near 20 minute message expressing his feelings via Facebook Live.
Rachtman posted around 2:30PM (PST) and titled his video: “I shouldn’t go Live but I’m furious & sickened.”
Rachtman appeared to want to hold back, even referring to himself as a hypocrite and noting he was furious at those who talked negatively about this incident on social media… but in the end the former Headbanger’s Ball host makes some valid points here.
The following is part of what Rachtman said during his Facebook Live (As Transcribed by Metal Sludge).
“Now I’m going to tell you, exactly, the truth, and I hope this doesn’t get, it’s not gonna get in me in trouble, because it’s the truth…. and I hope Taime is not upset, that I am doing this, because I have been talking to Taime a lot…”
“Okay, here’s the deal, okay. Umm… (pause, sigh) Kimberly and Taime have always had a very toxic relationship. They have been fighting a lot. They’ve always fought a lot. A lot of it had to do with drugs and alcohol. Ahh… Taime loved Kimberly very-very much. Kimberly loved Taime very-very much. However they fought all the time. That is the true story.”
Rachtman is clearly very emotional in all of this, and it’s evident that he is hurting for his friend (Downe) and Burch as well.
Rachtman continues to share his thoughts and feelings regarding the tragedy; “So, from what I understand… and please, I feel horrible, and I know I am going to sound so insensitive, which is not the case, um, I have so many feelings about this. But, there are people that are posting accusations geared at Taime and so now I am going to tell you the honest truth of what is happening…”
“Kimberly Burch committed suicide. She jumped off the boat and unfortunately… I am shaking right now, and unfortunately she did it right in front of Taime.”
“When someone commits suicide… ah… they’re hurting, very, very bad. And when they commit suicide, the pain is then gone. However, all the people around them, suffer an even greater pain.”
“Suicide is a very, very selfish act.” add Rachtman.
“Here is some truth, okay, umm, (pause, sigh) Kimberly has spoke about suicide before, but she never followed through with it.”
“They were fighting… All – The – Time.” says Rachtman.
The Cathouse co-founder then goes on to say: “I am going to tell the record straight, this is not guesses or anything else.”
“For anybody to put any blame on Taime, is absolutely disgusting. The fact is, he was exonerated of all charges. If he wasn’t, he’d be in jail. There is video… I can’t believe I am even saying this because I was trying to stay away from this. There is video of her committing suicide, and Taime was cleared of all charges.”
Rachtman continued with his heart-felt message to fans about the relationship between Downe and Burch.
“How is Taime doing? How do you think he’s doing?” Rachtman says in disgust as he references people texting and asking him these questions.
“The woman he has lived with for the last 8 years, committed suicide in front of him. And I feel horrible for Kimberly, that she has been in so much pain… that she had to commit suicide. I feel horrible for the friend’s of hers.”
“Taime did absolutely nothing wrong, but he is going to be scarred for the rest of his life.” added Rachtman.
As of press time there has been no official statement from Downe or Faster Pussycat, The 80’s Cruise or Royal Caribbean.
Rachtman was a co-founder with Downe when the pair opened their private night-club Cathouse back in 1986 in Hollywood, which eventually led to the California native securing a job to host MTV‘s Saturday late-night video show Headbanger’s Ball.
Metal Sludge continue to send strength to Taime Downe, the Faster Pussycat camp and all of those related.
We also would like to extend our continued condolences to Kimberly Burch, her friends and family.
To watch Riki Rachtman‘s Facebook Live from Friday March 7th 2025, scroll down to watch below.
Recent related articles found on Metal Sludge.
March 7th 2025 – 988 … Riki Rachtman’s Tell-All Facebook Live: “Kimberly Burch committed suicide. She jumped off the boat and unfortunately… she did it right in front of Taime”
March 6th 2025 – IN-FLUX … Faster Pussycat still on board The 80’s Cruise and a source close to the band says; “He (Taime Downe) has been Exonerated by Bahamian Authorities”
March 4th 2025 – TMZ … Faster Pussycat singer Taime Downe’s Fiancée Kimberly Burch has been Confirmed Dead after Falling off The 80’s Cruise
March 3rd 2025 – DEVELOPING … The 80’s Cruise has had a Passenger Jump Overboard, Initial Reports are Alleging it was a Band Member’s Fiancee’
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