Family of California man who jumped from Carnival cruise ship speaks out

The family of the California man who went overboard from a Carnival Cruise ship last month revealed his widow faces “legal and administrative hurdles” as she raises his three young sons while grieving his sudden death.

Thomas Gigler, 56, was on a birthday trip with his wife Michelle, 48, when he allegedly jumped from the Carnival Panorama while it was sailing from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, to Long Beach on September 20.

Gigler, a father of three from Redlands, is presumed dead.

In a post on GoFundMe, Gigler’s family described the longtime Esri employee as a beloved husband, father, friend and neighbor whose death was “sudden and completely unexpected.”

“His loss was sudden and completely unexpected and he was so loved,” sister Wendy Gigler wrote on behalf of the Gigler family.

The family said Thomas was known for his generosity and easy-going nature, describing him as someone who “didn’t worry about the little things” and never judged others.

He was also “always willing to have a healthy debate,” the family said, adding that he was “genuinely curious to hear other people’s perspectives on the world.”

Today, Michelle Gigler must raise their three boys without her husband.

“Michelle is now raising three boys alone,” the family wrote.

The fundraising appeal says she is simultaneously dealing with the emotional toll of losing her husband while dealing with memorial expenses, legal and administrative hurdles and the loss of Thomas’ income.

As of Monday morning, the crowdfunding campaign had raised just under $8,500 toward its goal of $35,000.

The family said the financial strain is particularly difficult because the paperwork necessary for Michelle Gigler to access insurance and retirement funds could take months.

“Michelle needs support now,” the message read.

Thomas worked for Esri, a geographic information systems company, for 24 years. His family previously said they believed something unexpected happened to him shortly before he went overboard.

His sister Wendy Dowden had previously rejected another passenger’s claim that Thomas Gigler had discussed marital problems at the ship’s Alchemy Bar the night before his disappearance.

The family said Thomas and Michelle “got along pretty well” and thought he was not in his normal state of mind when he went overboard.

The Carnival Panorama turned around after surveillance footage showed Thomas entering the water, while the ship conducted a search before resuming its journey to Long Beach.

The U.S. and Mexican Coast Guards, the Mexican Navy and neighboring vessels also participated in the search, although Thomas Gigler was not located.

The GoFundMe campaign says donations will go directly to Michelle Gigler through the GoFundMe beneficiary system.

The money will help cover memorial and immediate expenses, maintain the financial stability of the family home over the coming year, pay for bereavement counseling services and begin building an education fund for the boys – something that “their father cared deeply about.”

The family also thanked those who have supported them since Thomas Gigler’s disappearance, including Carnival passengers who created a memorial on board the ship.

“To all those who offered prayers and kind words, including those passengers who created a memorial on board, our family is deeply grateful,” Wendy wrote.

“If you can’t do that, sharing this page is just as helpful,” the post said.

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