Alicia Kirkpatrick’s was a fairytale journey: three young kids, a modelling career, and the lead singer of band that would feature in NZ’s biggest reggae festivals.
Then, on August 28, the Gisborne woman died in her mother’s arms, aged only 29.
Her unexpected death came just three months after an asthma attack that nearly took her life.
Alicia Kirkpatrick died at the age of 29, leaving behind three young children.
On Facebook in May, Kirkpatrick said she was grateful for the “second chance”.
“I had an asthma attack and I stopped breathing, heart stopped beating and I was dead for 20 minutes,” she posted.
“I am so grateful for my two aunts who worked their butts off to bring me back to life.
“Words will never express the gratitude I have for them both and for the man upstairs for not needing me right now and giving me a second chance at life, for I have too much to live for here on this earth and so much more to accomplish.”
Family and friends from all over the country have paid tribute to Kirkpatrick after her death.
Sister Brittany posted: “You weren’t just my sister, you were my bestfriend (sic), my backbone, my other mum, you were a mum to my baby’s (sic), you were my everything and you still are”.
A Givealittle page was set up to help support Kirkpatrick’s three daughters: Maia, 11, Jaezahn, 9, and 16-month-old Coco.
The daughter of David Kirkpatrick and Michelle Brown, Kirkpatrick began modelling at the age of 14.
But music was where her heart really lay, recording her first album in 1999.
She grew up performing in multiple music competitions, and became increasingly involved in the local musical acts, shows and festivals around the country.
Kirkpatrick began making a name for herself and later opened gigs for artists like NZ Hip-Hop/R&B group Nesian Mystik, Kiwi recording artist Anika Moa, and American rapper Coolio.
She became the lead singer of Kiwi reggae band Foundation, and played alongside some of the country’s biggest reggae acts over the years including Herbs, Tomorrow People, Three Houses Down and Katchafire.
The band paid tribute to its fallen singer, saying on Facebook they were “devastated by this heartbreaking news”.
“Your time here was far to (sic) short our friend. You gave everything to Foundation through your amazing talent, love and loyalty.
“Your legacy will live on through our music.”
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