Steve Lillywhite, the ex-husband of beloved singer Kirsty MacColl, has publicly alleged that her tragic death 25 years ago was the subject of a major cover-up to protect one of Mexico's wealthiest men.
The Tragic Accident in Cozumel
Kirsty MacColl, the celebrated voice behind the Christmas classic Fairytale of New York, died in a horrific accident on December 18, 2000. The 41-year-old was on a family holiday in Cozumel, Mexico, with her two teenage sons and her partner.
While on a scuba diving excursion in an area designated as safe for divers and off-limits to boats, a 10-metre powerboat entered the waters at speed. MacColl was struck by the vessel. Reports from the time stated the impact of the propeller was so severe it nearly cut her body in half. It is widely believed she died instantly, having pushed her son to safety in her final moments.
Questions of Responsibility and a Minimal Sentence
The boat was owned by Guillermo González Nova, a powerful Mexican supermarket magnate who was on board with his family. An employee, José Cen Yam, then 26, claimed he was steering, despite lacking a proper licence.
Witnesses contradicted this account, suggesting the boat was travelling faster than officially admitted. Cen Yam was convicted of culpable homicide but received a sentence of under three years. He never served prison time, instead paying a fine of approximately £40 to the Mexican state and around £1,660 to MacColl's family.
A Family's Long Fight for Truth
Speaking to The Sun, Steve Lillywhite, the father of MacColl's children, echoed the family's long-held belief that the official story was a fabrication. "They said that it was a young kid driving, but no one believes that," he stated. "I think they just didn't want to have an enormous lawsuit because he was one of the richest guys in Mexico."
He also spoke of the bittersweet pain the Christmas season brings, as MacColl's iconic song fills the air. "It's a difficult time for me and the kids... It makes you think of Christmas and everything," he said, noting the recent loss of Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan adds to the seasonal grief.
MacColl's mother, Jean Newlove, campaigned relentlessly for justice until her death in 2017. Supported by figures like Bono, her Justice for Kirsty campaign sought truth and accountability. She maintained that González Nova was responsible, stating, "All I ever wanted was the truth and an apology. I never got the truth. I've never had an apology."
A quarter of a century after the tragedy, the family's quest for answers and closure remains unresolved, shadowed by allegations of power and privilege obstructing justice.
