What caused Michael Virgil's death on the Royal Caribbean cruise?

The autopsy ruled Michael Virgil's death a homicide due to mechanical asphyxia from restraint, obesity, and alcohol intoxication.

What does the lawsuit against Royal Caribbean allege?

The lawsuit alleges Royal Caribbean overserved alcohol to Michael Virgil and that crew members used excessive and fatal force during his restraint.

Where did the incident on the Navigator of the Seas take place?

The incident occurred aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas, which departed from Los Angeles for a cruise to Ensenada, Mexico.

Home / Crime and Justice / Cruise Death: Man Overdosed, Restrained?

Cruise Death: Man Overdosed, Restrained?

9 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Man died on cruise after alleged over-serving of 33 alcoholic drinks.
Lawsuit claims excessive force and fatal actions by crew members.
Autopsy ruled death a homicide due to restraint and intoxication.

Cruise Death: Man Overdosed, Restrained?

A family has initiated a wrongful death lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging that a 35-year-old man died due to the cruise line's negligence. Michael Virgil was reportedly served at least 33 alcoholic drinks on the Navigator of the Seas, leading to intoxication and agitation. The lawsuit claims that crew members then used excessive force, including tackling, restraint, sedatives, and pepper spray, resulting in fatal hypoxia.

The official autopsy report classified Virgil's death as a homicide, citing "combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly and ethanol intoxication." The report specifically noted injury from "body compression during restraint by multiple ship security personnel." The family's attorney stated that the cruise line prioritizes profit over safety and is negligent in hiring and training its employees.