😱 He bought the unlimited drink package for a fun family cruise… then bartenders allegedly poured him 33 drinks in just hours.

The 35-year-old dad turned violent, couldn’t find his room – security tackled him, pepper-sprayed him THREE times, injected a powerful sedative… and he stopped breathing.

Then the SHOCKING part: His body was allegedly “stuffed” into a drinks fridge while the ship sailed on for DAYS, ignoring his fiancée’s desperate pleas to turn back.

His young autistic son was onboard the whole time. 💔

Autopsy ruled it a homicide – now Royal Caribbean faces explosive lawsuit.

Is the “all-you-can-drink” party culture killing passengers? Receipts, video, and chilling details… you won’t believe this nightmare at sea 👇

Royal Caribbean Cruises is facing a federal wrongful death lawsuit filed by the fiancée of a 35-year-old California man who died aboard the Navigator of the Seas in December 2024 after allegedly being served at least 33 alcoholic beverages and then fatally restrained by crew members.

Michael Virgil, a father from Riverside, California, boarded the ship on December 13, 2024, for a four-day round-trip voyage from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico, accompanied by his longtime fiancée Connie Aguilar, their 7-year-old autistic son, and other family members. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Miami on December 5, 2025, alleges negligence in alcohol service, excessive force by security, and improper handling of Virgil’s remains.

According to court documents, the family’s cabin was not ready upon boarding, prompting crew to direct them to a bar area. Virgil, who had purchased Royal Caribbean’s Deluxe Beverage Package — an unlimited alcohol option — remained at the bar while Aguilar and their son checked on the room. The complaint claims bartenders served him at least 33 drinks, a mix of beer and liquor, over approximately seven hours, despite visible signs of intoxication.

Virgil later became disoriented, unable to locate his cabin. Passenger-recorded video shows him shirtless in a hallway, kicking doors and appearing agitated. The lawsuit states he threatened crew and passengers, prompting a security response.

Crew members allegedly tackled Virgil, applied full body weight to restrain him for several minutes, deployed multiple cans of pepper spray, and injected him with the sedative Haloperidol. He was taken to the ship’s medical center, where he was pronounced dead.

An autopsy by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing mechanical asphyxia — impairment of breathing due to compression — combined with obesity, an enlarged heart, and ethanol intoxication. Virgil’s blood alcohol level was reported between 0.182 and 0.186 percent, more than twice the legal driving limit in most states.

The lawsuit further alleges that after Virgil’s death, crew stored his body in refrigerated storage — described in some reports as a drinks refrigerator separate from a proper morgue — and continued the cruise itinerary. Aguilar reportedly begged officials to return to port in Long Beach, but the ship proceeded to Ensenada and completed the voyage, returning on December 16, 2024.

Attorney Kevin Haynes of Kherkher Garcia, representing Aguilar, called the incident preventable, stating Royal Caribbean prioritizes alcohol sales through pervasive bar placements and unlimited packages that incentivize excessive consumption. The suit accuses the cruise line of violating maritime common law requiring supervision of passengers likely to pose dangers due to intoxication.

Royal Caribbean issued a statement expressing sadness over the guest’s passing but declined to comment on pending litigation. The company noted it is cooperating with authorities, including the FBI, which investigates serious incidents on cruise ships.

Cruise industry experts note that large vessels like the Navigator of the Seas, which carries over 3,300 passengers, typically have small morgues on lower decks to store bodies until port arrival. Procedures often involve coded communications to avoid alarming guests. Maritime attorney Keith Brais, not involved in the case, said cruise lines are not required to release internal investigation findings.

The complaint seeks unspecified damages, including for loss of support, medical and funeral expenses, and emotional distress to Aguilar and her son, who remained onboard after the incident.

This case adds to scrutiny of cruise alcohol policies. Unlimited drink packages, priced around $60-90 per day, generate significant revenue but have faced criticism for encouraging overconsumption. The lawsuit claims ships are designed with bars “in every nook and cranny” to maximize sales.

Similar incidents have drawn attention recently. Another Royal Caribbean passenger’s family sued over alleged overservice leading to a fall overboard in 2024.

The FBI’s involvement stems from federal jurisdiction over crimes in international waters. No charges have been filed against crew members as of mid-December 2025.

Virgil’s family describes him as a devoted father excited for the family vacation. The lawsuit emphasizes the trauma to his young son, who witnessed aspects of the ordeal.

As the case proceeds, it may impact industry practices regarding alcohol service limits, staff training for intoxicated passengers, and restraint protocols.

Royal Caribbean, the world’s second-largest cruise operator, has not indicated changes to its beverage packages or security procedures in response to the suit.