New York City — Almost ten years after the death of aspiring hip-hop artist Christin Croft, the tragic fall that claimed her life has returned to the spotlight—this time fueled by speculation over Lily Allen’s new album, West End Girl. Lyrics that appear to reference the apartment where Croft died have reopened old wounds for her family, while raising fresh questions among fans and the curious public.
A Tragedy in the East Village
In September 2015, Croft, 29, fell from a third-floor fire escape attached to actor David Harbour’s East Village apartment. At the time, Harbour—then still years away from his breakout role on Stranger Things—was in Canada working on a film. Croft was alone inside.
The NYPD ruled the manner of death “undetermined,” and although a note was recovered at the scene, its contents were never released publicly. With no evidence of foul play, the case remained muted and largely forgotten outside Croft’s circle of family and friends.
Lyrics That Reopened a Mystery
That silence shattered when Lily Allen released West End Girl, an album currently dominating UK charts and circulating widely on streaming platforms. One track in particular, titled “P-ssy Palace,” contains lines referencing “an apartment in the West Village,” sparking online discussion and fan theories linking the lyrics to Harbour.
“Don’t come home, I don’t want you in my bed.
Go to the apartment in the West Village instead,” Allen sings.
Allen has not named anyone, but she admitted in a recent interview that portions of the record are rooted in real experiences. That comment alone has been enough to reignite speculation surrounding Harbour’s past.
Family Pain and Unanswered Questions
For Croft’s relatives, the album’s success has been emotionally devastating.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, Marlon Martindale, husband of Croft’s cousin, described the renewed attention as “painful,” adding that the family never viewed her as suicidal.
“She was in good spirits the last time anyone spoke to her,” Martindale said. Croft, who struggled with mental illness, had recently begun medication and was attempting to regain custody of her young daughter.
“She was trying to rebuild her life,” he continued. “She was working hard.”
Family members also disputed reports that Croft had been living in the shelter system, suggesting that Harbour’s claims from 2015 didn’t reflect reality.
Inside Harbour’s Connection
Harbour once described Croft as someone he was trying to assist professionally. Friends remember her as ambitious, constantly networking, and hustling to break into acting and music.
“She wasn’t romantically involved with Harbour,” Martindale clarified. “He helped her meet people.”
When news of her death reached him, Harbour was reportedly shaken. He told the New York Daily News the tragedy “confused” him.
“It’s a terrible tragedy. I’m very shaken by this,” he said at the time.
Old Headlines, New Scrutiny
As fans dissect Allen’s lyrics, the online speculation has intensified. Some listeners interpret themes of infidelity and secrecy as thinly veiled commentary on Harbour and the couple’s struggling marriage. Allen filed for divorce earlier this year, and the pair have kept details largely private.
One source close to Croft’s family said the resurfacing of the story has been particularly difficult for her daughter, prompting discussions about possibly contacting Harbour.
Moving Forward, But Never Fully Escaping the Past
Harbour, now a globally recognized face thanks to Stranger Things, has remained mostly silent as renewed discussion spreads online. He was seen recently at Universal Orlando’s new Epic Universe park, appearing relaxed while spending time with Allen’s two daughters.
While his public image remains largely intact, shadows from a decade-old tragedy continue to linger just behind him.
A Life Remembered
Croft left behind a child, grieving relatives, and fragments of hope she had been fighting to rebuild. Social media posts from months before her death reveal a woman wrestling with self-worth and fear:
“I’m just a wrecked ship tryna make it ashore. Some things are too damaged to be repaired.”
Her death may be nearly a decade old, but the resurfacing heartbreak—fueled by chart-topping music and renewed media attention—suggests the story is far from over.
As West End Girl climbs the charts, one question remains unanswered:
How do you move on when the past refuses to stay buried?