Royal Caribbean Sued After Passenger Dies on Cruise
"Vision of the Seas" cruise ship by Royal Caribbean International, in Alaska, 2006. Photo courtesy of Matthew T Rader under CC BY-SA 4.0.
When 35-year-old Michael Virgil boarded Royal Caribbean International's "Navigator of the Seas" in December 2024, he likely expected a relaxing cruise to Ensenada, Mexico. Instead, his journey ended in tragedy, with his death ruled a homicide and his family now suing the cruise line. The lawsuit alleges a shocking combination of negligence and excessive force — including the alleged over-serving of 33 alcoholic drinks, the use of pepper spray, and a sedative injection — all culminating in a fatal restraint that cost Virgil his life. This case raises serious questions about cruise line safety protocols and alcohol policies, demanding accountability from an industry that markets itself as a safe haven on the seas.
A Deadly Cocktail: Alleged Over-Serving and Intoxication
According to court documents obtained by multiple news outlets, Michael Virgil was allegedly served at least 33 alcoholic beverages in a short span on the morning of December 13, 2024, the very day he boarded the ship from San Pedro, near Los Angeles. Virgil was reportedly part of the ship's all-inclusive drink package. The lawsuit claims that crew members continued to serve him despite clear signs of visible intoxication, a failure in responsible alcohol service according to the complaint.
This alleged over-serving reportedly led Virgil into a state of severe intoxication, which escalated into a disturbing episode.
A video captured by passenger Christifer Mikhail and obtained by Fox 11 reportedly shows Virgil kicking down a door and threatening other passengers before yelling, "I'm going to knock you the f--- out," as crew members surrounded him, as reported by PEOPLE.
The Fatal Restraint: Alleged Use of Pepper Spray and Sedatives
When ship security intervened, the situation took a deadly turn. The lawsuit alleges that crew members used excessive force to restrain Virgil, including standing on his body and compressing his chest, which impaired his breathing. The complaint further states that medical personnel administered an injection of haloperidol, a sedative, and deployed multiple cans of pepper spray during the restraint.
According to the complaint, the combination of physical restraint, chemical sedation, and pepper spray exposure led to "significant hypoxia" — a dangerous lack of oxygen - respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability, and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest, as reported by the New York Post.
The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner ruled Virgil's death a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and ethanol intoxication as contributing factors, as reported by PEOPLE.
A Family's Fight for Justice
Virgil's fiancée, Connie Aguilar, and their son have filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, holding the cruise line responsible for the events leading to his death. The complaint accuses the company of negligence in over-serving alcohol and using excessive, fatal force during the incident. The family seeks damages for loss of support, future earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.
Royal Caribbean has expressed sorrow over Virgil's passing and stated that it cooperated with authorities during the investigation but declined further comment due to pending litigation, as reported by PEOPLE.
Additional Details: Body Refrigeration and Ship's Return
According to PEOPLE, Virgil's body was "refrigerated" on board the cruise ship as it continued to Ensenada, and the vessel returned to Los Angeles on December 16, 2024. This detail underscores the grim reality faced by the family and crew in the aftermath of the incident.
A Call for Accountability and Change
Michael Virgil's death is a sobering reminder that behind the glamour of cruise vacations lies a need for rigorous safety standards and responsible service. The lawsuit against Royal Caribbean demands accountability for what appears to be a preventable tragedy caused by a dangerous mix of alleged over-served alcohol and excessive force.
As the case unfolds, it may prompt the cruise industry to reevaluate its alcohol policies, staff training, and emergency response protocols to better protect passengers. For families like Virgil's, justice means not only compensation but also ensuring that no other traveler suffers a similar fate.
References: Family Sues Royal Caribbean After Passenger Death Ruled Homicide | Michael Virgil's Fiancée Files Suit Against Cruise Company After Man's Death | Royal Caribbean cruise passenger was served 33 drinks before he died in custody: lawsuit
