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Family Sues Royal Caribbean, Alleging 33 Drinks Before Cruise Death Ruled Homicide

The filing brings the homicide ruling into a negligence claim under maritime law.

Overview

  • Michael Virgil’s fiancée, Connie Aguilar, filed a wrongful-death lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in early December 2025.
  • The suit alleges crew members served Virgil at least 33 alcoholic beverages after the family was directed to a bar, citing his purchase of a Deluxe Beverage Package.
  • According to the complaint, ship security restrained Virgil using body compression, deployed pepper spray, and medical staff administered an injection of haloperidol before he died aboard the vessel.
  • The Los Angeles County medical examiner determined the manner of death was homicide, listing combined effects of mechanical asphyxia and ethanol intoxication along with obesity and cardiomegaly.
  • The estate seeks damages under the Death on the High Seas Act, and Royal Caribbean says it is saddened, cooperated with investigators, and will not comment further on pending litigation.