It has been a quarter of a century since British singer Kirsty MacColl lost her life in the turquoise waters off Cozumel, Mexico, yet the story remains seared into the memories of those involved.
For one man in particular, Jose Cen Yam, the events of that fateful December day in 2000 are as vivid now as they were then.
Cen Yam Breaks His Silence
Cen Yam, the former deckhand often cited as the reckless driver of the motorboat that struck the Fairytale Of New York singer, has largely stayed out of the public eye—until now.
Tracked down by The Mail on Sunday, he insists on his truth: he was at the helm, and no powerful boss coerced him into claiming responsibility.
“No, it was me. That’s the truth,” he states firmly.
“Absolutely not” when asked if billionaire Guillermo Gonzalez Nova, the boat’s owner, was driving.
Life After the Tragedy
Now a handyman living a modest life in Cozumel, Cen Yam shows none of the wealth or influence one might associate with the case’s high-profile connections.
Despite the renewed spotlight, he maintains his story without shame.
He emphasizes that he acted responsibly after the accident, holding onto MacColl’s scuba gear to prevent her body from drifting until authorities arrived.
The Last Moments of Kirsty MacColl
The tragedy unfolded in seconds. As MacColl surfaced from a dive with her sons, she screamed a warning and pushed her eldest to safety before the propeller struck her.
Cen Yam describes hearing a strange noise from the propeller before realizing something had gone wrong.
By the time he saw her, MacColl had already suffered fatal injuries.
A Life Cut Short
At 41, Kirsty MacColl’s life was on a bright trajectory.
Her fifth album, Tropical Brainstorm, had just been released, and she had captured audiences worldwide with her performances and the iconic duet with Shane MacGowan.
She had traveled to Cozumel for a well-earned break with her boyfriend and sons, ready to enjoy a family Christmas far from work pressures.
Conflicting Accounts and Questions
The investigation has long been mired in confusion.
While Cen Yam insists he was driving, MacColl’s family and ex-husband Steve Lillywhite have suggested otherwise, claiming Cen Yam was a “fall guy” for Gonzalez Nova, a billionaire with the necessary boating license.
Witnesses could not definitively confirm who was at the helm, and Cen Yam’s limited nautical knowledge has only fueled doubts.
Disputed Speed and Location
Debates over the boat’s speed and the divers’ location continue to cloud the case.
Cen Yam maintains the boat moved slowly, around five miles per hour, and asserts he stayed within the safe diving zone.
Yet professional dive instructors and independent observers have contested these claims, suggesting MacColl and her sons were in danger due to the boat’s approach at high speed.
Justice Deferred and Family Grief
Cen Yam was found guilty of culpable homicide but avoided prison, paying a small fine under Mexican law.
MacColl’s family has expressed frustration over the perceived lack of accountability, with her mother leading a campaign for truth and justice that disbanded after years of little progress.
The singer’s death left her sons without a mother and her loved ones without closure.
The Lasting Legacy
Even after 25 years, the circumstances of MacColl’s death remain hotly debated.
Cen Yam’s insistence on his version of events may offer some clarity, yet lingering questions about responsibility, speed, and location ensure the tragedy continues to captivate public attention.
What’s Next
Despite renewed claims and investigation, it seems likely the mystery surrounding Kirsty MacColl’s death will never be fully resolved.
Her family may continue seeking answers, while the public reflects on a talented singer whose life ended far too soon in the waters of Cozumel.
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