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Family Sues Royal Caribbean After Homicide Ruling in Cruise Death, Citing 33 Drinks

The complaint focuses on alleged overservice that preceded a fatal restraint.

Overview

  • Fiancée Connie Aguilar filed a wrongful-death lawsuit on Dec. 8 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on behalf of Michael Virgil’s estate.
  • The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by the combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, ethanol intoxication, obesity, and cardiomegaly.
  • Court filings allege crew and security used prolonged prone restraint, applied full body weight, deployed multiple cans of pepper spray, and administered haloperidol.
  • Passenger video shows Virgil kicking a door and shouting threats as ship security surrounded him during the incident aboard Navigator of the Seas.
  • Royal Caribbean said it was saddened, noted cooperation with authorities, and declined further comment during litigation as the case moves toward a company response and discovery.