Passenger identified as Southern California father of three after jumping from Carnival Panorama

A 56-year-old passenger on the Carnival Panorama was identified on Saturday as Thomas Gigler, a computer programmer from Redlands, California, who disappeared after allegedly jumping overboard while the ship sailed from Mexico toward Long Beach. Gigler, who was celebrating an anniversary with his wife Michelle, was last seen on the vessel’s 11th deck. His family reported him missing when he could not be located, and he is presumed dead.

The U.S. Coast Guard, Mexican Coast Guard, Mexican Navy and nearby commercial vessels have been conducting a coordinated search in the Pacific waters where the incident occurred. A cruise line representative announced to passengers that the missing guest had not yet been found and that the fleet’s operations center in Miami had been notified.

Gigler’s sister, Wendy Dowden, disputed reports that the passenger had discussed marital problems before the incident, saying the couple “were getting along quite well.” She added that Gigler had no known history of mental illness and suggested that something unexpected may have affected his judgment.

Passengers on board shared videos on social media showing a memorial display with handwritten messages and prayers for Gigler’s family.