A 48-year-old man from Rio Grande City, Texas, tragically passed away while on board the Carnival Dream cruise ship, just months after I took my very first cruise on the same ship.
According to KHOU, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, and is currently under investigation by the FBI Houston office. The man, identified as Euvelester Villarreal Jr., was found in the adults-only Serenity Deck, which was closed off to guests at the time.
Medical Examiner and FBI Investigation
The medical examiner confirmed that there were no signs of foul play, and the FBI is awaiting toxicology results to determine the exact cause of death. Villarreal’s wife briefly spoke to the media, describing her husband as kind and humble.
Alarm and Delay in Debarkation
At approximately 4 a.m., passengers heard an alarm requesting medical assistance to the Serenity Deck, which quickly spread news of the tragic event throughout the ship. As a result, the debarkation process was delayed by up to two hours while the authorities removed the body before allowing other passengers to disembark.
Carnival’s Statement
Carnival Cruises issued a statement, noting that it is standard practice for the FBI to review deaths on cruise ships. The company expressed its sympathy to the family and clarified that the review does not suggest any suspicious circumstances.
This incident has left many passengers and their families shaken, and the investigation into Villarreal Jr.’s death is ongoing.
