Overview
- Los Angeles County’s medical examiner ruled the December 2024 death of Michael Virgil a homicide, citing combined mechanical asphyxia, obesity, cardiomegaly and ethanol intoxication.
- The federal complaint, filed in Miami, seeks unspecified damages and a jury trial in a wrongful-death and negligence case against Royal Caribbean.
- The suit alleges crew served Virgil at least 33 alcoholic drinks as part of an all‑inclusive package despite visible signs of intoxication.
- According to the filing, security restrained Virgil on the floor with weight on his back, used multiple cans of pepper spray and administered haloperidol at the captain’s request, preceding his respiratory collapse.
- Passenger video shows Virgil agitated, kicking a door and issuing threats; Royal Caribbean says it is saddened by the death, is cooperating with authorities and will not comment on pending litigation.