Investigation Into the Death of Anna Kepner on a Carnival Cruise
TITUSVILLE, Fla. — More than two weeks after the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a high school senior and cheerleader, questions linger regarding what happened during her family’s cruise vacation. Anna was found dead aboard a Carnival ship earlier this month, and, as of now, the cause remains unclear.
Her body was transported to Miami when the ship docked two Saturdays ago. While her brother-in-law is under FBI scrutiny, no criminal charges have been made public. As the investigation unfolds, details surrounding her final moments remain elusive.
Recent Timeline of Events
Anna’s last TikTok provided a glimpse into her emotional state, reflecting on heartbreak. In the video, she noted, “Even after our breakup, I will always continue to have a smile and a kind heart” despite feeling wronged by others. This last post hinted at her struggles but also revealed a resilient spirit.
Her final entry on October 30 was brief but poignant, stating, “You deserve to be happy, but if you’re not with me, don’t do it.” Her ex-boyfriend indicated he had planned to join her on the cruise but they ended their relationship beforehand.
The Voyage and Circumstances Surrounding Her Death
The family—including Anna, her father, stepmother, and her 16-year-old stepbrother—set off on the Carnival Horizon for a Caribbean trip. On November 6, Anna reportedly left a dinner gathering feeling unwell and returned to her cabin.
On November 7, the Miami-Dade County Coroner’s Office reported her time of death as 11:17 a.m. That morning, she was discovered by a cruise ship cleaner, found under a bed, wrapped in blankets and wearing a life jacket.
The following day, the Carnival Horizon returned to the Port of Miami, where the FBI began investigating her death. Her body was moved to the morgue for examination, and while family members were questioned, no arrests were made.
Emerging Legal Issues
A recent court filing revealed ongoing custody disputes involving Anna’s stepmother, Shawntel Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson. Each has suggested that Anna’s stepbrother could be a potential suspect in her death, complicating the family dynamic further.
Shawntel’s lawyers have sought to delay proceedings, expressing concerns that her testimony could mistakenly implicate either her or her son.
Memorial and Investigation Update
On November 20, Anna was laid to rest following a memorial service attended by many. A slideshow celebrated her life, capturing moments from cheerleading and family outings. Friends and family were welcomed to leave their fingerprints on a poster featuring her photo.
She had aspirations of serving in the U.S. Navy and becoming a police officer after high school. Interestingly, on November 21, early investigative findings suggested that Anna may have strangled herself. However, official confirmation of the cause of death is pending, as additional tests have yet to be completed.
