Topline: A wrongful death suit alleges Michael Virgil was ‘negligently served’ 33 drinks before his death by homicide.
Published: December 11, 2025 3:06 pm ET
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Michael Virgil aboard Navigator of the Seas via Fox 11
LOS ANGELES — A California woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging negligence and excessive force in the death of her fiancé, Michael Virgil.
Virgil died Dec. 13, 2024, while being restrained aboard the Navigator of the Seas shortly after the ship departed San Pedro, California.
The 35-year-old man was on the cruise with his fiancée, his then 7-year-old son, and other family members. The vessel was headed to Ensenada, Mexico.
The suit alleges that beginning around 10:30 a.m., Virgil was served at least 33 drinks under the ship’s all‑inclusive package. It claims crew members continued providing alcohol despite clear signs he was intoxicated.
According to the complaint, Virgil became agitated after getting lost on the ship and caused a disturbance in a hallway. Video obtained by Fox 11 shows him kicking a door and shouting threats before security intervened.
“The gentleman that was drunk said he was going to kill us and then started chasing us down the hallway,” passenger Christifer Mikhail told Fox 11. He added that a crew member locked himself inside a towel storage room for protection.
Virgil kicked one crew member in the face and punched another, according to the New York Post. Cruise security subdued the 35‑year‑old using zip ties and handcuffs, and he died within an hour of being taken into custody.
The lawsuit claims crew members tackled Virgil, held him in a prolonged prone restraint, and stood on his body, restricting his ability to breathe. It further alleges staff used pepper spray and administered the sedative haloperidol at the captain’s direction.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and alcohol intoxication.
The suit argues Royal Caribbean’s over‑service of alcohol and use of force directly caused the conditions that led to Virgil’s death.
After the incident, his body was refrigerated on board until the ship returned to Los Angeles on Dec. 16. The lawsuit seeks damages and holds the cruise line accountable for multiple negligence claims.
“He didn’t deserve to die over it,” a family member told Fox11. His family members said that Virgil’s behavior on the cruise was unusual for him.
Royal Caribbean told People magazine, “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.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Royal Caribbean Cruise Staff Blamed for Death of Intoxicated Passenger
A wrongful death suit alleges Michael Virgil was ‘negligently served’ 33 drinks before his death by homicide.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 11, 2025 3:06 pm ET
Michael Virgil aboard Navigator of the Seas via Fox 11
LOS ANGELES — A California woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging negligence and excessive force in the death of her fiancé, Michael Virgil.
Virgil died Dec. 13, 2024, while being restrained aboard the Navigator of the Seas shortly after the ship departed San Pedro, California.
The 35-year-old man was on the cruise with his fiancée, his then 7-year-old son, and other family members. The vessel was headed to Ensenada, Mexico.
The suit alleges that beginning around 10:30 a.m., Virgil was served at least 33 drinks under the ship’s all‑inclusive package. It claims crew members continued providing alcohol despite clear signs he was intoxicated.
According to the complaint, Virgil became agitated after getting lost on the ship and caused a disturbance in a hallway. Video obtained by Fox 11 shows him kicking a door and shouting threats before security intervened.
“The gentleman that was drunk said he was going to kill us and then started chasing us down the hallway,” passenger Christifer Mikhail told Fox 11. He added that a crew member locked himself inside a towel storage room for protection.
Virgil kicked one crew member in the face and punched another, according to the New York Post. Cruise security subdued the 35‑year‑old using zip ties and handcuffs, and he died within an hour of being taken into custody.
The lawsuit claims crew members tackled Virgil, held him in a prolonged prone restraint, and stood on his body, restricting his ability to breathe. It further alleges staff used pepper spray and administered the sedative haloperidol at the captain’s direction.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and alcohol intoxication.
The suit argues Royal Caribbean’s over‑service of alcohol and use of force directly caused the conditions that led to Virgil’s death.
After the incident, his body was refrigerated on board until the ship returned to Los Angeles on Dec. 16. The lawsuit seeks damages and holds the cruise line accountable for multiple negligence claims.
“He didn’t deserve to die over it,” a family member told Fox11. His family members said that Virgil’s behavior on the cruise was unusual for him.
Royal Caribbean told People magazine, “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.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Royal Caribbean Cruise Staff Blamed for Death of Intoxicated Passenger
A wrongful death suit alleges Michael Virgil was ‘negligently served’ 33 drinks before his death by homicide.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 11, 2025 3:06 pm ET
Michael Virgil aboard Navigator of the Seas via Fox 11
LOS ANGELES — A California woman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging negligence and excessive force in the death of her fiancé, Michael Virgil.
Virgil died Dec. 13, 2024, while being restrained aboard the Navigator of the Seas shortly after the ship departed San Pedro, California.
The 35-year-old man was on the cruise with his fiancée, his then 7-year-old son, and other family members. The vessel was headed to Ensenada, Mexico.
The suit alleges that beginning around 10:30 a.m., Virgil was served at least 33 drinks under the ship’s all‑inclusive package. It claims crew members continued providing alcohol despite clear signs he was intoxicated.
According to the complaint, Virgil became agitated after getting lost on the ship and caused a disturbance in a hallway. Video obtained by Fox 11 shows him kicking a door and shouting threats before security intervened.
“The gentleman that was drunk said he was going to kill us and then started chasing us down the hallway,” passenger Christifer Mikhail told Fox 11. He added that a crew member locked himself inside a towel storage room for protection.
Virgil kicked one crew member in the face and punched another, according to the New York Post. Cruise security subdued the 35‑year‑old using zip ties and handcuffs, and he died within an hour of being taken into custody.
The lawsuit claims crew members tackled Virgil, held him in a prolonged prone restraint, and stood on his body, restricting his ability to breathe. It further alleges staff used pepper spray and administered the sedative haloperidol at the captain’s direction.
The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly, and alcohol intoxication.
The suit argues Royal Caribbean’s over‑service of alcohol and use of force directly caused the conditions that led to Virgil’s death.
After the incident, his body was refrigerated on board until the ship returned to Los Angeles on Dec. 16. The lawsuit seeks damages and holds the cruise line accountable for multiple negligence claims.
“He didn’t deserve to die over it,” a family member told Fox11. His family members said that Virgil’s behavior on the cruise was unusual for him.
Royal Caribbean told People magazine, “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.”
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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