Royal Caribbean Passenger's Death Ruled Homicide After Alleged Over-Serving and Restraint

Passenger's Unruly Behavior and Restraint

• 🚢 A Royal Caribbean passenger, Michael Virgil, became unruly and made threats while on board.
• 🔒 He was subdued by Royal Caribbean security using zip ties, handcuffs, pepper spray, and body weight.
• 💉 The lawsuit alleges that security personnel injected Virgil with at least two sedatives.

Cause of Death and Lawsuit Allegations

• ⚖️ A lawsuit has been filed by Virgil's fiance and son, alleging Royal Caribbean is responsible for his death.
• 🍹 The suit claims Virgil was served "30-plus drinks" and that the cruise line's actions led to his death.
• 🚑 The medical examiner ruled Virgil's death a homicide, citing combined effects of mechanical asphyxia, obesity, an enlarged heart, and alcohol intoxication.
• ⛓️ Attorney Kevin Haynes stated that the physical restraint, with five people on top of Virgil, resulted in mechanical asphyxiation, similar to George Floyd's death.

Cruise Line's Response

• 🤐 Royal Caribbean issued a statement expressing sadness over the guest's passing but declined further comment due to pending litigation.
• 😔 The passenger who recorded the initial cell phone video expressed condolences to the family, stating nobody deserves to die that way.