Family Takes Legal Action Following Tragic Incident
The family of a man who passed away after being restrained on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship in December is pursuing legal action, claiming he was over-served alcohol, administered a sedative, and improperly restrained.
Michael Virgil, 35, was reportedly accused of aggressive behavior towards crew members and fellow passengers before his death. His fiancée and estate representative, Connie Aguilar, filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida against Royal Caribbean.
The lawsuit alleges that the combination of alcohol consumption, sedative medication, and the crew’s method of restraint contributed to Virgil’s demise. On December 13, 2024, Virgil and his family were aboard the Royal Caribbean Navigator of the Seas near California.
According to Aguilar’s attorneys, Virgil had an all-inclusive drinks package and was served at least 33 alcoholic beverages from 10:30 a.m. until his death. They argue that he became so intoxicated that staff should have ceased serving him.
Virgil reportedly became disoriented while trying to locate his cabin, leading to agitation. Security personnel intervened and allegedly subdued him by applying their full weight on him during restraint. The complaint states this method hindered his ability to breathe properly.
The complaint also claims that Royal Caribbean administered Haloperidol, a sedative, and used pepper spray on Virgil. His family asserts that these actions combined with alcohol consumption resulted in severe hypoxia and respiratory failure ultimately causing his death.
A medical examiner in Los Angeles classified Virgil’s death as a homicide. In addition to seeking damages, his family is requesting a jury trial against Royal Caribbean for all relevant charges. The cruise line expressed condolences regarding the incident but declined further comment due to ongoing litigation.
