Unexplained Death Occurs on Sun Cruz Casino Ship

Police investigators are treating the matter with a great deal of suspicion, as the 49-year-old was apparently in good physical condition.

The troubled legacy of Sun Cruz Casinos continues to grow. This weekend, one of the few remaining ships operated by Sun Cruz was heading back into port when a passenger alerted crew to the presence of an unconscious man in the restroom.

Emergency medical help was rushed to the man, who was lying in a pool of blood. He was transported from the ship to Cape Canaveral Hospital, where he was declared dead.

Police investigators are treating the matter with a great deal of suspicion, as the 49-year-old was apparently in good physical condition. James Michael Burgess was remembered by a bartender on the ship, who served him a soft drink a few hours before he was found. She stated that Burgess complained of feeling ill.

Surveillance video has not solved the question as to whether Burgess had company on the voyage, or was alone. Theft has most likely been ruled out, as Burgess still had his wallet and money on him. Drug use was not considered probable. A tuesday autopsy may help investigators pinpoint the cause of death.

Sun Cruz has sailed ill waters since the assassination of former owner Gus Boulis in 2001 on the streets of Ft. Lauderdale. Since then, the purchasers of Sun Cruz, Jack Abramoff and Adam Kidan, have both been sent to prison for fraud in the sale from Boulis, and are possible suspects in the organizing of the hit; Sun Cruz has lost dockings in Hollywood, Florida, and West Palm Beach among others for political reasons and residential complaints; and a ship being brought to port for repairs broke its moorings and had to be abandoned at sea last month.

Until the ghost of Gus Boulis finds justice and satisfaction, Sun Cruz Casinos may continue to be among the unluckiest casino operators in the world.