Family of Cruise Passenger Files Lawsuit Against Royal Caribbean
The family of Michael Virgil has filed a lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Group, claiming the cruise line is responsible for his death on board their ship.
Virgil passed away in December 2024 at just 35 years old following what appears to have been an altercation with onboard authorities.
His fiancée, Connie Aguilar, is suing the cruise line, alleging that they served him “at least 33 alcoholic drinks” prior to his death. Court documents detail an incident where Virgil tried to break down a door before security intervened and restrained him.
Aguilar asserts that a mix of alcohol and a confrontation contributed significantly to his demise.
As reported, Aguilar and Virgil were traveling with their 7-year-old son, who has autism. They initially discovered their room wasn’t ready and were directed to wait in the bar area.
After waiting for some time, Aguilar decided to leave to check on their accommodations, temporarily leaving Virgil in the bar. Reports suggest he was offered numerous drinks before seeking the room, but his efforts were in vain. Documentation indicates that his heightened state of intoxication led to agitation and an attempt to break down a door, during which he also removed his shirt.
Online video footage captured him struggling while surrounded by security personnel.
Legal filings indicate that Virgil was subjected to “excessive force and deadly conduct” from the crew, which included the administration of the sedative haloperidol and the use of multiple doses of pepper spray.
The lawsuit suggests that this interaction resulted in “severe hypoxia and ventilatory compromise, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability, and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest,” categorizing his death as a homicide.
Aguilar is seeking various damages, encompassing loss of support, inheritance, lost earnings, funeral costs, and emotional distress.
A spokesperson for Royal Caribbean Group expressed their sadness over the loss, stating they are cooperating with the investigation but declining to make further comments regarding the ongoing litigation.
