(KTLA) – The family of a California man who died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise last year has filed a wrongful death lawsuit accusing the company of over-serving him alcohol and using excessive force that they say led to his death.
Michael Virgil, 35, died Dec. 13, 2024, during a four-day Navigator of the Seas cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. He was traveling with his fiancée, their young son and other relatives.
According to the complaint filed in federal court, Virgil participated in the ship’s all-inclusive “Deluxe Beverage” package and was served at least 33 alcoholic drinks in the hours leading up to his death. The family alleges he became visibly intoxicated as crew members continued serving him alcohol.
Virgil became lost and agitated while trying to find his cabin, the lawsuit states. It alleges Royal Caribbean security personnel tackled him, restrained him with their body weight and held him in a prone position that restricted his breathing. The complaint also says crew members used multiple cans of pepper spray and, at the direction of a staff captain, injected him with Haloperidol, a sedative.
Virgil became unresponsive and died on the ship.
“Royal Caribbean fully understands and expects that alcohol overconsumption by passengers will result in the diminution of their inhibitions, motor skills and good judgment,” the suit states, “which Royal Caribbean, upon information and belief, expects will foster the general party atmosphere that Royal Caribbean desires and promotes aboard its vessels, and which in turn enhances other revenue-producing shipboard activities such as gambling and the purchase of more alcohol.”
NewsNation local affiliate KTLA obtained the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s report, which lists Virgil’s manner of death as homicide. The cause of death is listed as the combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly and ethanol intoxication.
According to the lawsuit, Virgil’s body was refrigerated onboard until the ship returned to Los Angeles on Dec. 16, 2024.
Shortly after the incident, the FBI confirmed it had opened an investigation into the circumstances of Virgil’s death. Royal Caribbean issued a brief statement at the time saying it was “saddened” by the guest’s death and was cooperating with authorities. No additional updates from federal investigators have been released.
In the lawsuit, Virgil’s fiancée, Connie Aguilar, acting as the personal representative of his estate, alleges Royal Caribbean is liable for negligence, improper alcohol service and the actions of its security and medical employees. The complaint argues that the company failed to protect Virgil despite visible signs of intoxication and used force that directly contributed to his death.
KTLA has reached out to Royal Caribbean for comment. The cruise line told TMZ: “We were saddened by the passing of one of our guests, worked with authorities on their investigation, and will refrain from commenting any further on pending litigation.”