He Attacked Crew and Threatened to ‘Kill’ Passengers Before Cruise Ship Death: Here’s Why Fiancée Thinks Cruise Is at Fault

Fiancée of Michael Virgil takes Legal Action against Cruise Company Following His Death

The fiancée of Michael Virgil, who tragically lost his life during an incident on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, has filed a lawsuit against the cruise company. The unfortunate incident occurred on the Navigator of the Seas vessel while it was en route to Mexico. Michael Virgil, aged 35, passed away shortly after being detained by security personnel on December 13, 2024, just hours after embarking on the ship from the port of San Pedro, near Los Angeles.

As per the wrongful death complaint obtained by PEOPLE, Virgil was on the cruise with his fiancée, his 7-year-old son, and other family members with the destination being Ensenada, Mexico. The complaint alleges that starting from the morning of December 13, Virgil, who was consuming beverages from the ship’s all-inclusive drink package, was served at least 33 alcoholic drinks. The claim further states that Virgil displayed visible signs of intoxication, making it negligent for the crew members to keep serving him alcohol.

In a disturbing turn of events, a video captured by a fellow passenger showed Virgil in a drunken rage, kicking down a door and making threatening statements towards others on the ship. The situation escalated as he began chasing individuals down the hallway, prompting crew members to intervene. Witnesses described a chaotic scene where Virgil was eventually subdued by crew members, who restrained him on the ground using force.

According to the complaint, Royal Caribbean crew members administered a sedative injection and used pepper spray on Virgil, actions that are alleged to have contributed to his tragic passing. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner determined that Virgil’s death was a result of mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and ethanol intoxication, ruling it as a homicide. Virgil’s body remained on board the cruise ship as it continued its journey to Ensenada before returning to Los Angeles days later.

The grievous turn of events has led to the filing of a lawsuit by Virgil’s fiancée against Royal Caribbean, accusing the cruise company of negligence in their handling of the situation. In response to the legal action, Royal Caribbean expressed their condolences for the loss of Virgil and stated their cooperation with the authorities’ investigation. The cruise company refrained from providing further comments on the pending litigation.

Instances like these serve as a reminder of the complexities and responsibilities involved in ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers aboard cruise ships. The legal proceedings following Michael Virgil’s tragic demise shed light on the need for thorough assessments and protocols to prevent such incidents from occurring in the future. As the case unfolds, it remains crucial for all parties involved to seek accountability and justice in the pursuit of understanding and preventing similar tragedies.

The heartbreaking loss of Michael Virgil has left a profound impact on his loved ones and the community, prompting a closer examination of the circumstances surrounding his untimely passing. The legal actions taken by his fiancée serve as a testament to the pursuit of accountability and justice in the face of adversity, highlighting the importance of transparency and responsibility in ensuring the safety of individuals in all settings, including cruise ship environments.

Efforts to address the issues raised by this incident are essential in fostering a culture of safety and well-being for all individuals, emphasising the paramount significance of upholding standards that prioritise the welfare of passengers and crew members. As the legal proceedings progress, it is imperative to heed the lessons learned from this tragedy and work towards implementing measures that prevent similar occurrences, ultimately striving towards a future where such devastating losses are averted through diligent oversight and proactive measures.