A Royal Caribbean cruise turned tragic when a passenger, 35-year-old Michael Virgil, died following a series of alleged violent incidents and threats just hours after setting sail on the Navigator of the Seas.

The incident occurred aboard Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas. Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty

Incident Unfolds Just After Departure

Virgil, traveling with his fiancée and 7-year-old son, reportedly became aggressive soon after the ship departed from San Pedro, near Los Angeles. According to Christifer Mikhail, a fellow passenger, the trouble began when Virgil got off an elevator on the wrong floor and started acting unruly.

Mikhail, who recorded parts of the incident, reported that Virgil began making disturbing threats, including saying he would “kill” people around him. “The gentleman was drunk and said he was going to kill us, then started chasing us down the hallway,” Mikhail recounted.

Escalating Violence and Racial Slurs

The situation rapidly escalated with reports that Virgil used racial slurs and physically assaulted two crew members. FOX LA obtained video footage showing Virgil in a narrow corridor, kicking and attempting to punch a door as crew members stood nearby, concerned.

Witnesses say the father started displaying threatening behavior. Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty

Mikhail described how Virgil tried to force his way into a towel room where a crew member had sought refuge, continuing to make frantic statements and asking for forgiveness. “He was asking for God to forgive him,” Mikhail said.

Royal Caribbean’s Response

In a statement to PEOPLE, Royal Caribbean expressed their sorrow over Virgil’s death, offering support to his family and confirming they are cooperating with authorities in their investigation.

“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,” the cruise line said.

FBI Investigates the Incident

The FBI’s Los Angeles field office confirmed they are investigating the incident, but due to the ongoing nature of the investigation, no further details have been disclosed.

Family Speaks Out

Virgil’s family told FOX LA that his actions were completely out of character. One relative stated, “He didn’t deserve to die over this.” The family also claims that security aboard the ship injected Virgil with a sedative, and he passed away within an hour.

“It’s hard to understand how this could happen,” the family said. “He didn’t deserve this.”

The passenger’s family says he didn’t deserve to die. Credit: Horacio Villalobos / Getty

Ongoing Investigation

Authorities are continuing to piece together the events leading to Virgil’s tragic death, and the investigation remains ongoing as they seek to understand what caused his alarming behavior.

Featured Image Credit: Horacio Villalobos / Getty