Family of Royal Caribbean passenger say he was served 33 drinks, drugged before dying on ship
The family of Michael Virgil, a 35‑year‑old California man who died aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas in December 2024, has filed a federal wrongful‑death lawsuit accusing the cruise line of negligence, overservice of alcohol and the use of excessive force that led to his death.
Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, the complaint alleges Royal Caribbean crew members served Virgil at least 33 alcoholic drinks through the ship’s all‑inclusive beverage package in a matter of hours — despite clear signs of intoxication.
“In a matter of hours, ROYAL CARIBBEAN crew members significantly over-served [Virgil] alcoholic beverages while aboard the ship,” the lawsuit reads.
According to the lawsuit, the alleged overservice left Virgil severely impaired, disoriented and agitated — a situation that culminated in a confrontation with security personnel.
When crew members intervened, the suit says they “tackled” Virgil to the ground, stood on his body with their full weight and restrained him while he was visibly intoxicated.
It also alleges the ship’s captain ordered the administration of Haloperidol, a sedative, and that multiple cans of pepper spray were used during the incident.
“[Virgil’s] death was directly and proximately caused by ROYAL CARIBBEAN’S negligence,” the suit claims.
His death was later ruled a homicide by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, ABC News reported.
The report said Virgil died from the combined effects of “mechanical asphyxia”, which happens when something restricts someone from breathing, obesity, an enlarged heart and alcohol intoxication.
The complaint, brought by Virgil’s fiancée, Connie Aguilar, accuses Royal Caribbean not only of negligence in overserving alcohol, but also of failing to appropriately manage and train staff to handle impaired passengers.
The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages for wrongful death, loss of support and other harms suffered by Virgil’s fiancée and their young child.
More Business News
Read the original article on MassLive . Add MassLive as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
