Who Was Anna Kepner? The Girl Who Died Aboard a Cruise Ship

Anna Kepner was an 18-year-old high school senior from Titusville, Florida. She attended Temple Christian School and had big dreams — she had recently taken her military test, planning to join the U.S. Navy, and hoped to become a K-9 police officer. According to her family and obituary, she was “pure energy”: outgoing, joyful, always caring, and quick to lift other people’s spirits.

Anna loved the water — she earned her boater’s license and enjoyed lake days, beach days, and island trips. She was also on her school’s cheerleading team and had a soft spot for music, makeup, crafts, and her siblings. Her family said she had a natural ability to make others laugh, and if you were sad, Anna was the one to fix that.

The Tragic Cruise Vacation

In early November 2025, Anna boarded the cruise ship Carnival Horizon with her father, stepmother, grandparents, and siblings for what was supposed to be a relaxing family trip. But on Nov 7, things took a horrifying turn: Anna was found dead in her stateroom. A housekeeper discovered her wrapped in a blanket, tucked under the bed, according to reports.

Because the incident occurred in international waters, the FBI is leading the investigation.

Cause of Death and Ongoing Investigation

Anna’s death has since been ruled a homicide. According to a death certificate obtained by her family, the cause of death was “mechanical asphyxia by other person(s)” — meaning she was physically suffocated.

Moreover, ources say there were bruises on her neck and that the asphyxiation may have been caused by a “bar hold” (an arm placed around the neck). There were reportedly no signs of drugs, alcohol, or sexual assault in the initial findings.

What Does the Court Say About Anna?

Court documents from a separate custody dispute indicate that one of Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrothers — who shared the cabin with her during the cruise — is being investigated in connection with her death. Additionally, according to Anna’s grandparents, he was the only person seen going in and out of the room in the security footage. After the body was found, he was hospitalized for psychiatric observation.

As of now, no formal charges have been announced, and the FBI continues to gather evidence, review video footage, and interview people who were on the ship.

Remembering Anna and Her Spirit

Friends and family say Anna had a “light that filled every room.” She wasn’t just planning her future — she was already carving out a path to help others. Her obituary describes her as the type who didn’t need a reason to be kind; she just was.

Moreover, at her memorial, loved ones wore bright colors — a nod to her bright personality. Her family’s grief is deep, but they hope people remember her not just for how she died, but for how she lived: giving, caring, and full of dreams.

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