A Royal Caribbean cruise to Mexico turned tragic after a 35-year-old passenger died following an altercation with the ship’s crew.
The unsettling incident, which occurred aboard the Ensenada-bound vessel, has left many passengers shaken and raised serious questions about the handling of the situation, as reported by The Daily Caller.
Michael Virgil, the man at the center of the incident, was captured on video by a fellow passenger during what witnesses described as a violent outburst. The footage, shared with Fox 11 News, shows Virgil shouting, acting aggressively, and attempting to kick down a door.
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Witnesses allege he threatened passengers and attacked two crew members.
Passenger Christifer Mikhail recounted the tense moments leading up to Virgil’s detention. “The gentleman was drunk and said he was going to kill us,” Mikhail told Fox 11. He added, “He started chasing us down the hallway. I was kind of scared. I’m stuck in this hallway.”
Mikhail claimed Virgil was “asking for God to forgive him” during his erratic behavior. Eventually, security subdued Virgil using zip ties, handcuffs, and a spray similar to bear or pepper spray. Tragically, he died about an hour later while in custody.
Virgil’s family disputes the characterization of his behavior, asserting that the actions captured on video are out of character for him. A relative suggested he might have been injected with “some sort of sedative” before his death, though the official cause has yet to be determined.
The family also highlighted the devastating personal impact of the tragedy. Virgil leaves behind a 7-year-old son with autism and a fiancée, both of whom were on the cruise with him. “He didn’t deserve to die over it,” the grieving relative stated.
In a statement to Fox 11, Royal Caribbean expressed condolences, saying, “We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests. We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation.”
While the company cooperates with investigators, questions remain about the measures taken to detain Virgil and whether they were excessive or appropriate.
What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway ended in tragedy and controversy. As authorities probe the events leading up to Virgil’s death, passengers and family members are left grappling with the fallout.
Mikhail summed up the sentiment of many, saying, “Nobody deserves to die, especially like that. May he rest in peace. He just needed some help.”
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