A Cruise Turned Tragic: When Fun Went Too Far

A Man's Life Cut Short

Michael Virgil, a 35-year-old from Southern California, embarked on what was supposed to be a joyful trip with his fiancée, son, and family. Unfortunately, the journey took a tragic turn.

The Incident

Virgil had an "all you can drink" package and, over seven hours, consumed 33 drinks. This excessive consumption led to a violent outburst. He became aggressive, threatening both crew members and passengers. In his inebriated state, he couldn't even find his room.

The Altercation

Video footage showed Virgil punching walls. Crew members attempted to restrain him, using force and putting their full weight on him. This altercation resulted in his death.

The Aftermath

The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide. Virgil's blood alcohol level was nearly double the legal limit. The cause of death was mechanical asphyxia, combined with obesity, an enlarged heart, and alcohol poisoning.

The Cruise Continues

After Virgil's death, the ship did not return to port, despite his fiancée's pleas. The cruise line refused, opting to put Virgil's body in a refrigerator and continue the three-day trip to Mexico. The family's attorney criticized this decision, comparing Virgil's death to George Floyd's, citing excessive force and asphyxia.

Disputes and Investigations

There are disputes about the events leading to Virgil's death. The lawsuit claims crew members used pepper spray and a sedative, but the medical examiner found no evidence of the drug in Virgil's system. The FBI is investigating the case. The family's attorney stated that Virgil's behavior was out of character, driven by fear, but argued that he didn't deserve to die.

Questions of Responsibility

This incident raises critical questions about cruise ship safety. How much responsibility do crew members bear? Should they have cut Virgil off earlier? The family seeks answers and justice for their loved one, believing this tragedy could have been prevented.