Kirsty MacColl, a British singer-songwriter, died tragically on December 18, 2000, at the age of 41. She was on holiday in Cozumel, Mexico, with her two sons when she was hit by a speedboat while swimming in an area reserved for swimmers. MacColl suffered severe chest and head injuries and died instantly. Her body was repatriated to the United Kingdom and was cremated after a funeral. The circumstances surrounding her death have been the subject of controversy and legal action.