A cruise passenger unexpectedly passed away after he was detained by the vessel’s security for assaulting crew members.
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According to Los Angeles’ local media outlet Fox 11, the passenger, identified as Michael Virgil, was onboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas heading to Ensenada on Friday, Dec. 13, when he allegedly physically attacked crew members and threatened numerous passengers while in a drunken rage.
“The gentleman that was drunk said that he was going to kill us,” fellow traveler and witness Christifer Mikhail revealed to Fox 11. “He started chasing us down the hallway.”
Mikhail also said a crew member avoided Virgil by locking himself in a towel closet. However, the raging passenger repeatedly tried to kick open the closet door. Mikhail managed to capture the terrifying moments on camera.
“I was kind of scared,” Mikhail added. “I’m stuck in this hallway. He could’ve flicked me and thrown me like 30 feet because the guy he punched kinda flew a couple feet back.”
Eventually, the Royal Caribbean security team members arrived and detailed the cruise passenger using zip ties and handcuffs. It was further reported that bear or pepper spray was used.
However, within an hour after being detained by the vessel’s security, Virgil suddenly passed away. His family told Fox 11 that he was injected with a sedative by crew members shortly before his unexpected death. He was 35 years old.
They were also shocked by his outburst, noting it was uncharacteristic of the late father, who was on the cruise ship with his 7-year-old son and fiancé.
Royal Caribbean Issues Statement About Unexpected Death of Cruise Passenger
In a statement provided to Fox 11, Royal Caribbean spoke out about the sudden death of the unruly cruise passenger.
“We are saddened by the passing of one of our guests,” the statement read. “We offered support to the family and are working with authorities on their investigation.”
One of Virgil’s family members spoke out about the situation.
“He didn’t deserve to die over it,” the relative told Fox 11 while discussing the uncharacteristic behavior Virgil displayed on the cruise ship.
Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas continued its journey to Ensenada after the incident and Virgil’s death.
Virgil’s cause of death is currently pending an autopsy. The FBI is now investigating the altercation, including what caused Virgil to lose his temper and his sudden death.