Lawsuit claims man who died on cruise was served 33 drinks, according to fiancée.

Media News Source reports that a tragic incident occurred aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last December, leading to the death of a passenger during a confrontation with crew members. The deceased, identified as 35-year-old Michael Virgil, engaged in erratic behavior after allegedly consuming an excessive amount of alcohol on board. His fiancée, Connie Aguilar, has since filed a lawsuit claiming that her partner was served at least 33 alcoholic beverages prior to his death.

On December 13, 2024, Virgil reportedly became disruptive, damaging property and assaulting crew members who attempted to restrain him. The lawsuit provides a disturbing account, stating that Virgil was subdued using pepper spray, zip ties, and handcuffs. Furthermore, medical personnel administered a sedative prior to his transport to a holding area. Despite these efforts, Virgil is said to have died approximately one hour later due to complications related to the force used during his restraint.

Aguilar’s lawsuit alleges that the crew’s actions resulted in significant hypoxia and severe respiratory issues, ultimately leading to his cardiopulmonary arrest. The alarming circumstances surrounding his death have already prompted the ruling of a homicide by medical examiners.

Virgil, alongside Aguilar and their seven-year-old son, began their cruise on the Navigator of the Seas out of Los Angeles. On the day of the incident, they were told to wait at the bar for their stateroom to become available. As the family awaited their room, Aguilar left to seek updates while Virgil remained at the bar, where he reportedly consumed multiple alcoholic drinks within a short span of time. This ultimately escalated into a violent episode as he searched for the room and became increasingly agitated, leading to his frantic behavior throughout the ship.

The FBI has begun an investigation into the events surrounding Virgil’s death, and Royal Caribbean has stated that it is cooperating with authorities. However, the cruise line has not issued specific comments regarding the lawsuit filed by Aguilar.

A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group expressed sadness over the incident but did not comment further on the ongoing legal matters. The case raises serious questions about passenger safety and alcohol management protocols on cruises, reflecting broader concerns within the cruise industry regarding onboard behavior and emergency response. As the investigation unfolds, many await clarity about the responsibilities of cruise lines in similar situations.