Archive · 9 Dec 2025
Lawsuit Blames Royal Caribbean for Man's Death
A man named Michael Virgil died on a Royal Caribbean cruise.
His family says he was given too many drinks by the staff, which made him very drunk.
When he tried to find his room, he got lost and upset.
Security used pepper spray and a strong medicine called Haloperidol to calm him down, but he died.
His family is suing the cruise company, saying they didn't take care of him properly.
The cruise company is sad about what happened but won't talk more because of the lawsuit.
Michael Virgil, 35, died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise after allegedly being over-served 33 alcoholic drinks by crew members.
The lawsuit claims Virgil became disoriented and agitated, leading to an altercation with security who allegedly used excessive force, including pepper spray and a sedative called Haloperidol.
Virgil's death has been officially ruled a homicide, with the cause of death listed as hypoxia, respiratory failure, and cardiopulmonary arrest.
The family alleges that Royal Caribbean was negligent in hiring, training, and supervising its staff, prioritizing profit over passenger safety.
Royal Caribbean expressed sadness over Virgil's death but declined further comment due to ongoing litigation.
- Who
- Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old California man, and his fiancée Connie Aguilar
- What
- A lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean crew over-served alcohol and used excessive force, leading to Virgil's death
- When
- The incident occurred in 2023, and the lawsuit was filed in 2024
- Where
- Aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship traveling from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico
- Why
- The family claims negligence and misconduct by the cruise staff, including over-serving alcohol and improper use of force and sedatives
- Victim
- Michael Virgil
- Age
- 35
- Cause of Death
- Hypoxia, respiratory failure, cardiopulmonary arrest
- Alleged Drinks Served
- 33
- Alleged Sedative
- Haloperidol
- Cruise Route
- Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico
- Law Firm
- Kherkher Garcia, LLP