Family Files a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After Autopsy Rules Cruise Ship Death a Homicide [WATCH]

The family of Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old passenger who died aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit nearly one year after an autopsy determined his death was a homicide, as reported by the New York Post.

Virgil died on Dec. 13, 2024, during a four-day cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico.

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Royal Caribbean crew members “negligently” overserved 35-year-old Michael Virgil “in a matter of hours” while he exhibited obvious signs of intoxication, the l…

— Kathy Iverson (@KathyIvers89014) December 9, 2025

According to the lawsuit, Virgil boarded the ship with his fiancé and 7-year-old autistic son. When the family was informed their room was not yet ready, crew members directed them to a bar.

Court filings state that Virgil remained at the bar after his fiancé left temporarily with their son, and during that time, he was allegedly served 33 alcoholic drinks.

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The lawsuit says Virgil became severely intoxicated and entered a state described as a “drunken rage,” during which he allegedly attacked crew members, threatened passengers, and attempted to force open a stateroom door.

Footage referenced in the lawsuit reportedly shows him trying to batter down a door after the confrontation.

Security personnel detained Virgil shortly afterward. His fiancé alleges that “the excessive force and fatal actions taken by crew members, including security and medical personnel,” led to his death.

The lawsuit claims Virgil was restrained, pepper-sprayed, and injected with the sedative Haloperidol while in custody.

NEW: Man dies on a Royal Caribbean cruise after being served 33 drinks, family accuses cruise staff of injecting him with a sedative.

35-year-old Michael Virgil was seen having a meltdown after getting off the elevator on the wrong floor.

The family says just hours after… pic.twitter.com/pNWcA6VekR

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) December 8, 2025

Legal documents state that Virgil died of “significant hypoxia and impaired ventilation, respiratory failure, cardiovascular instability, and ultimately cardiopulmonary arrest,” a determination the autopsy classified as homicide.

Virgil’s family claims crew decisions contributed to the sequence of events, including the initial service of nearly three dozen alcoholic beverages and the use of both chemical restraint and physical force. The suit seeks damages for loss of support, anticipated future earnings, medical expenses, and pain and suffering.

Family sues Royal Caribbean
after man allegedly served 33 drinks dies aboard cruise ship

Michael Virgil died aboard Navigator of the Seas after crew allegedly restrained him with sedatives and pepper spray

Fox News / WOW MEDIA CHANNEL
Published December 8, 2025 8:24pm EST pic.twitter.com/Wc4mXcLFkJ

— www.Jonny Clock1977.us (@JonnyClock1977) December 9, 2025

The cruise line has declined to address specific allegations. “We don’t comment on pending litigation,” Royal Caribbean told TMZ.

The lawsuit marks the latest development in a case that began with initial family accusations in late 2024 regarding the use of sedatives during the restraint.

According to the updated filing, the family continues to assert that the sedative administration played a role in Virgil’s death. Proceedings will continue as the case moves forward in court.

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