Family of California man who went overboard from Carnival cruise seeks support for widow and children

Thomas Gigler, a 56-year-old employee of geographic-information-systems firm Esri, is presumed dead after he went overboard from the Carnival Panorama on Sept. 20 while the ship sailed from Puerto Vallarta toward Long Beach. The incident occurred during an anniversary cruise with his wife, Michelle, 48, and the couple's three young sons. Surveillance footage showed Gigler entering the water, prompting the ship to turn around and conduct a search, which was later joined by U.S. and Mexican Coast Guard units, the Mexican Navy and nearby vessels, but he was not located.

Gigler's family described him as a generous, easy-going father and neighbor. His sister, Wendy Gigler, said the family believes he was not in his normal state of mind and that the couple had been getting along well. She rejected earlier speculation that marital problems contributed to the incident.

Michelle Gigger now faces “legal and administrative hurdles” while raising their three boys alone. The family created a GoFundMe campaign to cover memorial costs, immediate expenses, grief counseling, and to establish an education fund for the children. As of Monday, the campaign had raised just under $8,500 toward a $35,000 goal.

"Michelle needs support now," the post read.

The family thanked passengers who created a memorial aboard the ship and asked supporters to share the fundraising page.