California Woman Sues Royal Caribbean After Fiancé Dies in Custody Aboard Navigator of the Seas
Connie Aguilar, a California resident, has filed a wrongful death maritime lawsuit against Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. in the Southern District of Florida. The lawsuit, filed under Case No. 1:25-cv-25704, alleges that Aguilar’s fiancé, Michael Virgil, died aboard the Navigator of the Seas due to excessive alcohol service and the use of lethal restraint and sedation by Royal Caribbean crew members.
Royal Caribbean Accused of Over-Serving Passenger 33 Alcoholic Drinks Leading to Intoxication and Death
According to the complaint, Virgil was traveling with Aguilar and their young son on a December 2024 cruise from Los Angeles to Ensenada, Mexico. He purchased Royal Caribbean’s “Deluxe Beverage Package,” which allowed for unlimited alcoholic drinks. On the day of his death, crew members allegedly served Virgil at least 33 alcoholic beverages over the course of a few hours, despite visible signs of severe intoxication. Aguilar alleges that the cruise line failed to enforce responsible alcohol service policies, even though its employees observed Virgil in a clearly impaired state.
The complaint asserts that Royal Caribbean designed its ships and beverage programs to encourage excessive drinking for profit, and that it failed to implement safeguards or tracking systems to monitor passenger alcohol consumption. Aguilar claims that these business practices contributed directly to her fiancé’s deteriorated condition and eventual death.
Passenger Dies After Cruise Security Tackles and Restrains Him During Medical Emergency
As Virgil attempted to find his cabin in his intoxicated state, he became disoriented and agitated. Royal Caribbean security personnel confronted him and ultimately tackled him to the ground. The complaint alleges that multiple crew members restrained Virgil in a prone position by standing and applying full body weight to his torso, restricting his breathing and causing him to lose consciousness. Despite this, crew members also reportedly administered pepper spray and injected him with the antipsychotic sedative Haloperidol.
The incident, which occurred in navigable waters aboard the Navigator of the Seas, resulted in what Aguilar alleges was a preventable death caused by asphyxiation, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest brought on by excessive force and chemical sedation. The death was ruled a homicide by authorities, according to the lawsuit.
Lawsuit Alleges Negligence in Use of Force, Medical Care, and Crew Oversight Aboard Navigator of the Seas
Aguilar claims Royal Caribbean failed in its duty to provide a safe environment for passengers and to ensure proper medical and security responses aboard the ship. The complaint accuses the cruise line of negligent hiring, training, and supervision of crew members, including security and medical personnel who handled the situation. It also alleges that Royal Caribbean knowingly employed unqualified staff who used excessive force and improper medical interventions on intoxicated passengers.
The lawsuit further argues that the cruise line profits significantly from alcohol sales and encourages a “party atmosphere” without adequate safety controls in place. Aguilar claims the company’s financial motives in selling unlimited drink packages took precedence over passenger safety and wellbeing.
Plaintiff Seeks Damages Under Death on the High Seas Act for Homicide Aboard Cruise Ship
Filed under the federal Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA), the lawsuit seeks damages for loss of support, funeral expenses, and loss of future earnings, as well as emotional pain and suffering experienced by Virgil’s survivors, including his minor autistic son. Aguilar also seeks punitive damages, citing what she characterizes as Royal Caribbean’s willful and outrageous conduct.
The lawsuit underscores Royal Caribbean’s alleged pattern of failing to monitor passenger intoxication or provide reasonable safety procedures for dealing with over-served guests. Aguilar contends that had the crew followed proper protocols, her fiancé would still be alive today.
Contact a Cruise Wrongful Death Attorney if You Lost a Loved One Due to Negligence on a Ship
Cruise lines have a legal obligation to ensure passenger safety through responsible alcohol service, properly trained crew, and appropriate medical and security responses. When a loved one dies under questionable or violent circumstances aboard a cruise ship, the family may be entitled to pursue justice under maritime law. If you or someone you know has suffered a tragic loss during a cruise, our experienced maritime injury attorneys can help you understand your legal options.
Contact us now to speak with a cruise wrongful death lawyer about your potential case.
Disclaimer:
Our firm does not represent the plaintiff in this case and is not involved in the litigation. The information provided is a summary of allegations based on publicly available court filings. We make no representations about the truth of these allegations, are not commenting on the merits of the case, and are not predicting any outcome.
