Shivangi Sinha
George Smith’s parents have always maintained that their son’s death was not an accident but the result of foul play. They have described the pain of losing him while he was on his honeymoon and the frustration of not getting clear answers about what truly happened on the fateful night of July 5, 2005. In CBS’ ’48 Hours: Murder at Sea?,’ they shared their belief that George was the victim of a crime, not a tragic mishap, and expressed their ongoing fight for justice. They have remained determined to uncover the truth about their son’s final moments.
George Smith’s Family Saw Him For the Last Time When He Left For His Honeymoon
George Allen Smith IV had always made his parents, George A. Smith III and Maureen T. Smith, proud. Raised in Greenwich, Connecticut, alongside his older sister Bree Smith, he grew up watching his father run Cos Cob Liquor, the family’s business. In 2003, when George returned from college and shared his dream of one day taking over the store, his parents were thrilled and confident in his abilities. In June 2005, as he joyfully set off on his honeymoon with his wife Jennifer Smith, they could never have imagined that boarding the Royal Caribbean cruise would be the last time they would ever see him.
George and Maureen first learned about the incident on the cruise from Jennifer Hagel-Smith’s father, and they described the moment as feeling like the ground had fallen out from under them. In an interview, Maureen shared that in those early days, she clung to Jennifer, believing her daughter-in-law was the last connection she had to her son. But the months that followed were incredibly difficult. With few answers and Jennifer later allegedly refusing to be deposed, tensions rose. Bree became the family’s spokesperson and began publicly addressing Royal Caribbean’s alleged negligence.
George and Maureen Smith Are Continuing the Fight For Their Son Today
George and Maureen Smith have spent nearly two decades fighting for justice for their son. Early on, they announced a $100,000 reward for any information that could shed light on what happened to him. In 2006, they filed a civil lawsuit against Royal Caribbean, alleging negligence in how the case was handled. The family was initially offered a $1.1 million settlement, which also included Jennifer Hagel-Smith, George’s widow, but George and Maureen disputed the agreement, believing it was not sufficient. It was only in 2010 that the case was finally resolved, with the settlement being increased to $1.3 million. Throughout the years, the Smiths have taken every possible opportunity to raise questions, challenge the narrative of the incident, and demand accountability from the authorities and the cruise line, which they alleged dismissed the case as an accident from the start.
In 2014, they started a Facebook page dedicated to seeking justice for George and have used it as a platform to share updates. They have kept the story alive and advocated for improved cruise ship safety guidelines. They also lent their voices in support of other victims’ families, including the Amy Bradley case, emphasizing the need for reform. Maureen marked the 20th anniversary of George’s disappearance by penning a heartfelt letter to her son, expressing how difficult each year has been. They are no longer in touch with Jennifer and have publicly stated that they are suspicious of her decision to remain silent in the months following the tragedy.
When the FBI formally closed its investigation in January 2015, the Smiths condemned the decision and called for acknowledgment and an apology. In December 2019, they announced that their longtime family business, Cos Cob Liquor, had permanently closed. As of August 2025, they were reportedly preparing to sell their Connecticut home, but no further updates have been shared. They have most likely retired, but they remain steadfast in their belief that someone knows more than they are admitting and continue to pursue answers.
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Bree Smith Established Herself as a Lawyer
Bree Smith, George Smith IV’s sister, channeled her grief into advocacy for cruise passenger safety, becoming one of the most vocal figures demanding accountability. She worked alongside her parents to raise awareness about George’s case and pushed for reforms that led to the passage of the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2010, which mandated improved reporting standards and onboard safety measures. Bree publicly celebrated these legislative victories as a step toward justice. By 2012, she had relocated to Hong Kong to pursue a career as a lawyer. Since then, she has largely remained out of the public eye.
