The parents of Kenneth Gemmell are speaking out about their son, saying he definitely was not suicidal, and that from all indications he was having a great time when he went overboard from Royal Caribbean's 'Allure of the Seas' ten days ago.
They continue to try and understand what happened, and what led their son to jump overboard.
Royal Caribbean says they have closed circuit footage that shows Gemmell 'clearly' going overboard intentionally.
James Gemmell, father of Kenneth says that his son had been planning this holiday as a 30th birthday present for himself for years. He stated, "we just don't understand what happened."
Gemmell was on a cruise sponsored by Atlantis Events, which promotes itself as the world's largest company that creates gay and lesbian themed cruises.
The family has heard from others on the cruise that Gemmell may have had an argument with a staff member on Thursday night before he went overboard. They had also heard that employee left the ship in Cozumel and did not return.
Royal Caribbean denies that any crew members failed to report for sailing while in Cozumel. They also deny any knowledge of any incident on board the ship.
Royal Caribbean made this statement about Gemmell, "He was alone on the balcony in his stateroom on deck 11 when he stepped on top of the balcony table in order to jump over the balcony railing. The footage is consistent with an eyewitness report from another guest."
Kenneth celebrated his 30th birthday on board the Allure, February 1st.
His parents are still seeking information about what happened, primarily to provide themselves closure. They ask anyone who might have had contact with their son on the cruise to contact them via email at michael@mhynes.com
UPDATE: There is an update to this story dated 02/22/2012 here.
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