The death of a Royal Caribbean passenger who became violent after an alleged drinking binge is now officially classified as a homicide, according to a recently filed lawsuit.
The legal complaint, brought by the fiancé of 35-year-old Michael Virgil, claims the cruise line is responsible for serving him an extraordinary amount of alcohol and for using excessive force during his detention aboard the ship.
Lawsuit Alleges Passenger Was Served 33 Drinks Before Incident
According to the wrongful death lawsuit, obtained by TMZ, Virgil allegedly consumed 33 alcoholic beverages at one of the ship’s bars on the same day he died while in custody in December 2024.
His family argues that the bartender and other crew members continued to serve him despite clear signs of intoxication, contributing directly to the chain of events that followed.
The lawsuit states that Virgil became aggressive and unruly during what is described as a drunken outburst. He allegedly assaulted crew members, threatened passengers, and had to be restrained by ship security. What happened next is the focus of the family’s legal battle.
Virgil pictured before his death. Credit: FOX 11 Los Angeles.
Family Claims Cruise Staff Used Fatal Force During Restraint
Although initial reports suggested that Virgil’s death stemmed from his behavior and level of intoxication, his family has consistently maintained that the cruise ship’s response was inappropriate and ultimately fatal.
In earlier filings, the family accused crew members of injecting Virgil with a sedative after subduing him, claiming the drug contributed to his death.
One year later, the family says their concerns have been validated. Court documents reveal his cause of death was officially changed to homicide, reinforcing their belief that the actions taken by security and medical staff directly led to his death.
Events Leading Up to the Deadly Encounter
Virgil had boarded the Mexico-bound cruise with his fiancé and their seven-year-old autistic son. According to the lawsuit, the family was told upon arrival that their room was not yet available. A crew member directed them to a nearby bar to wait.
After some time passed, their son became restless. Virgil’s fiancée took the child to check on the room while Virgil stayed behind at the bar. It was during this time, the lawsuit claims, that he was served dozens of drinks before attempting to return to his cabin in a highly intoxicated state, per The Independent.
Unable to find his room, Virgil allegedly erupted into a rage. Cruise ship surveillance footage reportedly shows him attempting to break down a door, moments after attacking crew members and shouting threats.
Virgil had to be detained in a drunken rage. Credit: FOX11 Los Angeles.
Autopsy Findings
The lawsuit accuses ship personnel of using excessive force, including deploying multiple cans of pepper spray and administering an injection of Haloperidol, an antipsychotic sedative. Legal documents state that Virgil suffered significant hypoxia, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability, and ultimately a fatal cardiopulmonary arrest.
His family is seeking damages for loss of support, lost future earnings, medical costs, and emotional suffering.
Royal Caribbean told TMZ it does not comment on pending litigation, offering no further response regarding the accusations or the updated homicide ruling.