Man Dies After Jumping From Carnival Cruise Ship on Anniversary Trip
Thomas Gigler, 56, went overboard from the Carnival Panorama while celebrating his 15th wedding anniversary with his wife and sons.
A 56-year-old married father has been identified as the man who jumped off the Carnival Panorama cruise ship last week. Thomas Gigler was on a 15th wedding anniversary trip with his wife, Michelle, and their three sons when he reportedly jumped overboard.
The ship had departed Long Beach, California, on September 13 for a weeklong voyage along the Mexican Riviera and returned on Sunday morning. The incident occurred as the ship was heading back to port.
Gigler and his wife, Michelle, who is 48, had boarded the Carnival Panorama for what was intended to be a celebratory trip. They were due to celebrate their 15th wedding anniversary on Wednesday, four days after his death.
Gigler's sister, Wendy Dowden, shared her grief and a theory about the circumstances surrounding his death. Dowden stated that her brother's marriage was strong and that the family believes he may have experienced a psychotic break. She mentioned that Thomas had been complaining of chest pains in the days leading up to the incident.
US and Mexican Coast Guard rescue teams conducted a search for Gigler after he fell from the ship. He is now presumed to have died.
Gigler and his wife are pictured on their wedding day with his parents. The couple married on September 23, 2011.