Florida Teen’s Death on Cruise Ship Ruled Homicide

MIAMI, Florida — The death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has been ruled a homicide, according to her family and a copy of her death certificate. The document states that Kepner died from “mechanical asphyxia” and was “mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).” The tragedy occurred on November 7 while Kepner was traveling with family on the Carnival Horizon, which shipped out from Miami.

Kepner’s body was discovered concealed under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests, by a room attendant. Prior to her death, she had spent time with her grandparents in the ship’s casino, where she shared loving goodbyes. According to her grandmother, Barbara Kepner, the last words Anna said were, “Meemaw, I love you guys. I’ll see you later.” That morning, a medical alert directed first responders to the cabin where Anna was sharing space with two other teens.

The investigation into her death has drawn significant media attention, with her 16-year-old stepbrother identified as a suspect. Documents from an unrelated custody dispute indicated he might face charges related to Anna’s death, but no formal charges have been made as of now. The FBI is involved in the investigation, and the Miami-Dade medical examiner has yet to release autopsy results.

This case highlights challenges associated with criminal investigations on cruise ships, which often operate in international waters. FBI Special Agent Matt Parker emphasized the difficulty in collecting evidence before a ship departs for its next voyage. Legal experts suggest that handling such investigations requires cooperation from various jurisdictions.

Friends and family remember Anna as a vibrant individual looking forward to graduating high school and aspiring to join the Navy. Her grandfather, Jeffrey Kepner, expressed the family’s heartbreak, stating, “We were looking forward to seeing her grow.” The investigation remains ongoing, with preliminary reports indicating no signs of drug use or sexual assault.