Cruise Ship Tragedy: Passenger’s Death Leads to Lawsuit Over Alleged 33 Drinks Served in Just Hours

The fiancée of a man who died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise is suing the company, claiming he was served an excessive amount of alcohol and that security personnel used unjustifiable force, which contributed to his death.

Michael Virgil was on a cruise with his fiancée, Connie Aguilar, and their son when he boarded the Navigator of the Seas on December 13, 2024, for a journey from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. Due to their room not being ready, the family decided to wait at a bar. When Virgil’s fiancée and son left him alone there after the child became restless, he reportedly consumed at least 33 alcoholic drinks in a short span due to the ship’s all-inclusive deluxe beverage package.

The lawsuit alleges that despite showing visible signs of intoxication, staff continued to serve him alcohol. After becoming lost and agitated while trying to return to his cabin, Virgil struggled to find his way and attempted to break down doors. Security was called, and the lawsuit claims they restrained him using excessive force and chemical agents, which led to him becoming unresponsive. He was later pronounced dead, with the medical examiner ruling his death a homicide attributed to mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and ethanol intoxication.

Following Virgil’s death, the FBI initiated an investigation. The lawsuit filed by Aguilar holds Royal Caribbean accountable for negligence and improper alcohol service, stressing that the cruise line has a responsibility to refrain from serving visibly intoxicated guests. Aguilar is seeking damages that include loss of support, compensation for funeral and medical expenses, and emotional distress. In response, Royal Caribbean expressed sorrow over the incident and stated its cooperation with the ongoing investigation, while refraining from commenting on any pending legal matters.

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