Fiancée Sues Royal Caribbean After Passenger’s Death; Lawsuit Says He Was Served At Least 33 Drinks, Tackled and Sedated

Connie Aguilar has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean after her 35-year-old fiancée, Michael Virgil, died during a December 2024 cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, according to court papers.

Allegations in the Complaint

The lawsuit alleges that crew members aboard the Navigator of the Seas repeatedly served Virgil alcohol—at least 33 drinks—after which he became disoriented and agitated while trying to find his cabin. It says crew members tackled him in a narrow corridor, stood on his body with their full weight and subjected him to a prolonged prone restraint that compressed his back and torso and impaired his breathing.

Use Of Sedative And Pepper Spray

Aguilar’s complaint further alleges that, at the captain’s direction, crew members administered a sedative and sprayed Virgil with pepper spray. The lawsuit claims those actions contributed to respiratory failure, cardiac arrest and ultimately his death.

Medical Examiner Ruling And Video Evidence

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner later ruled Virgil’s death a homicide, citing the combined effects of mechanical asphyxia (when force blocks breathing), obesity, an enlarged heart and alcohol intoxication.

Video recorded by passenger Christopher McHale and obtained by KTTV shows Virgil in a hallway kicking at a door and later being held down by security personnel and others. KTTV reported that Virgil shouted profanities, threatened individuals and attempted to enter a locked towel room where a crew member had taken refuge. McHale is quoted saying, “He just needed some help.”

Claims Against Royal Caribbean

The federal complaint, filed in Miami, alleges Royal Caribbean was negligent in continuing to serve alcohol after Virgil showed "obvious visual signs of intoxication" and failed to exercise its authority to stop service to protect his life. The suit also accuses the company of designing and operating ships to encourage alcohol consumption—placing bars and service stations throughout vessels—and alleges onboard medical personnel lacked sufficient qualifications to handle the incident.

Procedural Status And Company Response

Aguilar’s suit seeks unspecified damages and demands a jury trial. Royal Caribbean had not immediately responded to a request for comment when reports were published.

Note: The allegations are from a civil complaint and have not been proven in court. Royal Caribbean is a defendant and the matter will proceed through the legal process.