In a heartbreaking turn of events, the father of 20-year-old Levion Parker, who tragically leaped to his death on a Royal Caribbean cruise, is now raising concerns about his son's alleged consumption of alcohol despite being underage. Speaking with his local newspaper, The Daily Sun, Francel Parker expressed disbelief that his son, whom he insisted was not suicidal, was able to get so drunk onboard the cruise ship.

Contradicting witness accounts reported by the New York Post, Francel stated that he and his son were not arguing prior to the fatal incident. Instead, he described Levion's leap as a result of drunken ignorance, something that he believed could and should have been prevented. "We don't drink," Francel told The Sun, adding, "I'd like to know how my son was served so much alcohol."

Although the tragic plunge occurred over international waters, which would typically exempt the cruise from American drinking age regulations, cruises departing and returning from U.S. ports are prohibited from serving alcohol to individuals under the age of 21. Royal Caribbean, the cruise line involved, has released a statement addressing the incident, but has not specifically addressed witness claims that Levion was intoxicated at the time.

Francel Parker, still holding out hope for his son's survival, expressed his belief that Levion, a talented outdoorsman who had won a saltwater fishing tournament recently, may still be alive somewhere in the Caribbean. This sentiment persists despite a week having passed since his disappearance into the ocean, and the U.S. Coast Guard calling off its search two days ago.

Describing the tragic sequence of events, witnesses reported that Levion was in a hot tub with his brother when his father approached. Some witnesses stated that Francel appeared angry about Levion's drinking. According to Bryan Sims, one witness, Levion reportedly told his father, "I'll fix this right now," before impulsively leaping into the dark waters below.

Sims further mentioned that the ship was moving at a considerable speed and that Francel immediately called for staff to notify the captain. The ship came to a complete stop within 20 minutes, launching rescue boats in an attempt to locate Levion. Unfortunately, all efforts were in vain as Levion could not be found.

Francel shared with The Sun that he tossed six life rings into the water, hoping that one of them would reach his son. Levion had accompanied his father and younger brother on the cruise as a break from his work on a commercial fishing boat.

During this difficult time, Royal Caribbean has stated that they are providing support and assistance to Levion's family. Their initial statement confirmed that the ship's crew promptly initiated a search and rescue operation alongside the U.S. Coast Guard. However, no additional details have been provided to respect the privacy of the guest and their family.

This tragic incident raises pressing questions about the alleged underage alcohol service on the cruise ship. As the investigation unfolds, the grieving father seeks answers and clings to the belief that Levion may still be alive, relying on his faith and the power of prayer. Nonetheless, the search for Levion Parker continues, as family, friends, and the community remain hopeful for his safe return.