What happened to Michael Virgil on the Royal Caribbean cruise?

Michael Virgil died on a Royal Caribbean cruise after an altercation with security, and his body was stored in a freezer for three days.

Why did Royal Caribbean refuse to turn the ship around?

While the article suggests logistical challenges, prepaid excursions, and high fuel costs may have contributed to the refusal, Royal Caribbean has not provided a specific reason.

Is it common for cruise ships to store bodies in freezers?

Sources indicate that when ship morgues are full, bodies may be moved to freezers, a practice sometimes revealed through "midnight ice cream buffets."

Home / Crime and Justice / Man Dies on Cruise; Body Stored in Freezer

Man Dies on Cruise; Body Stored in Freezer

13 Dec

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Summary

Man died on Royal Caribbean cruise; body stored in freezer for days.
Fiancée begged ship to turn back but was refused.
Autopsy ruled death homicide; death caused by restraint, not alcohol.

Man Dies on Cruise; Body Stored in Freezer

A Royal Caribbean cruise turned tragic when a passenger died onboard, his body subsequently stored in a makeshift morgue space in a freezer for three days. His fiancée, Connie Aguilar, was reportedly denied her pleas to have the ship turn back to port, forcing her to complete the voyage with her deceased partner nearby.

The incident occurred on December 13, 2024, as the ship approached Los Angeles. The deceased, Michael Virgil, reportedly became agitated after drinking heavily. Security guards subdued him using their body weight, leading to hypoxia and cardiac arrest, according to autopsy findings which classified the death as a homicide.

Aguilar has filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging negligence and excessive alcohol service by the crew. Royal Caribbean stated they are cooperating with authorities and will not comment on pending litigation, while the FBI continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding Virgil's death.