An investigation is currently underway after the death of a 48-year-old man, Euvelester Villarreal Jr., aboard a Carnival cruise ship. Villarreal, who was from Rio Grande City, Texas, passed away on the Carnival Dream cruise ship, which had departed from Galveston.
Authorities are working to determine the cause of his death, as both the Galveston County Medical Examiner and the FBI are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Details of the Incident
Euvelester Villarreal Jr. was found deceased on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 5:22 a.m. aboard the Carnival Dream. The Galveston County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed that there were no visible signs of trauma on Villarreal’s body.
Investigator John Fernandez noted that the cause of death remains undetermined, pending results from medical and toxicology tests.
Carnival Cruise Lines has conducted its own internal investigation, which, according to the company, concluded that Villarreal died of natural causes.
The cruise line also emphasized that the Galveston County Medical Examiner found no evidence of trauma. However, Carnival confirmed that the FBI is reviewing the incident, as is standard practice for deaths that occur on cruise ships.
FBI’s Role in the Investigation
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is handling the case due to the jurisdictional complexities of incidents occurring on cruise ships. As a result of international waters being involved, the FBI coordinates with other agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) when investigating such deaths.
The FBI spokesperson in Houston confirmed that their maritime liaison agent is actively working with these agencies regarding Villarreal’s death.
The FBI is the primary federal agency authorized to investigate potential crimes that occur at sea. Their jurisdiction is complicated by the fact that cruise ships operate internationally, often carrying passengers and crew from multiple countries.
This can create overlapping interests in investigations, which the FBI is responsible for navigating.
Legal Requirements for Reporting Deaths at Sea
The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA) of 2010 mandates that certain incidents occurring on cruise ships be reported to the FBI. These reportable incidents include homicides, suspicious deaths, missing U.S. nationals, kidnappings, serious assaults, sexual assaults, tampering with a vessel, and thefts over $10,000.
Although the cause of Villarreal’s death has not been confirmed, the investigation into his passing follows the legal protocols outlined by the CVSSA.
While Carnival Cruise Lines has stated that Villarreal’s death was likely due to natural causes, the FBI is continuing its investigation to ensure that all details are properly examined.
The involvement of the FBI is standard procedure for deaths on cruise ships, especially when the cause of death is undetermined. As the investigation progresses, more information will likely emerge regarding the circumstances of Villarreal’s passing.
