‘Excessive Force And Fatal Actions’: Family Reportedly Sues Royal Caribbean Group Over Michael Virgil’s Death

The family of Michael Virgil reportedly sued the Royal Caribbean Group, alleging they were responsible for his death aboard their cruise ship.

Virgil died in December 2024 at the age of 35 after an apparent altercation with authorities aboard the vessel.

His fiancée, Connie Aguilar, sued the cruise line company for allegedly serving him “at least 33 alcoholic beverages” before his death, TMZ reported, citing court documents. Virgil attempted to break down doors before security moved in to subdue him, the documents claim.

Aguilar’s court documents allege that alcohol, combined with the altercation, contributed to his death.

Aguilar claimed she boarded the ship with Virgil and their 7-year-old son, who has autism. They quickly discovered their room was not ready, and they were directed to wait in a bar area, according to TMZ.

The lawsuit claimed that after a long period of time, their son grew impatient, so Aguilar walked away with him to check on the status of their room, leaving Virgil at the bar.

He was allegedly served dozens of drinks before he departed to look for their room, but he was unsuccessful, TMZ reported. The documents claimed he became so agitated due to his intoxicated state that he tried breaking down doors, according to TMZ. He also removed his shirt. (RELATED: REPORT: Cruise Ship Staff Detains Passenger, Who Later Dies In Their Custody)

The video footage of that behavior was available online and appeared to show him in a state of distress as security surrounded him.

The legal filing alleges Virgil fell victim to “the excessive force and fatal actions taken by crew members including security and medical personnel” who “administered an injection of a sedative medication, Haloperidol, and used multiple cans of pepper spray,” according to TMZ.

The suit alleges that interaction caused “significant hypoxia and impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest, leading to his death which has been ruled a homicide.”

Aguilar is seeking damages including but not limited to: loss of support, inheritance, past and future earnings and net accumulations, funeral and medical expenses, mental pain and suffering.

“We were saddened by the passing of one of our guests, worked with authorities on their investigation, and will refrain from commenting any further on pending litigation,” a Royal Caribbean Group spokesperson told TMZ.