New Details Emerge in Florida Cheerleader’s Mysterious Death on Cruise
Relatives of Anna Kepner, a Florida cheerleader who died under unclear circumstances aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month, are shedding light on the situation. However, official charges or arrests have yet to be made.
According to the Miami-Dade County Coroner’s Office, Anna was discovered dead in her cabin on the Carnival Horizon around 11:15 a.m. on November 7. The specifics regarding her cause of death haven’t been disclosed, but her grandparents mentioned in a recent interview that the FBI suspects suffocation.
Interestingly, Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother has been identified as a “suspect” amid a contentious custody battle between her stepmother, Shawntel Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, as indicated by court documents.
Crystal Wright, Anna’s aunt, remarked that Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, always had an uneasy feeling about his son-in-law. “He knew how creepy his son-in-law was,” she mentioned.
In an unsettling disclosure, Anna’s ex-boyfriend claimed he witnessed something troubling during a FaceTime call earlier this year. He reported that during the video call, Anna seemed to fall asleep, and her brother-in-law entered her room and climbed “on top of her.” He later confronted him as he exited the room, expressing that Anna felt “uncomfortable” around him.
Despite this, family members indicated that both Anna and her brother-in-law shared the same room on the cruise.
On a somber note, Anna’s funeral occurred just last week. In an interview with a morning show, Anna’s grandmother Barbara shared her perspective: “He was the only one seen walking back and forth.” Investigators have reviewed surveillance footage and key card records from the ship, bringing some scrutiny to the events that unfolded.
Barbara noted that she had overheard him say he couldn’t remember what happened after Anna’s death, claiming he was “an emotional mess.” As it stands, the stepbrother has not been charged with anything.
When asked about what justice meant for her family, Anna’s grandmother responded succinctly, “It’s what the law dictates.” The family seeks clarity and resolution but is willing to let the legal process unfold.
Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, reflected on her past decisions in a series of TikTok videos, expressing deep remorse for not maintaining contact—with her daughter, whom she claims is her “world.” Heather shared that difficulties posed by Anna’s father, Christopher, complicated their relationship over the years, making it challenging to be involved in Anna’s life. After learning of Anna’s death through media reports, Heather noted that she had not been contacted by her ex-husband or his wife following the funeral arrangements.
In a painful account, Crystal Wright informed that their family discovered the tragic news via the press, and there were attempts to discourage Heather from attending Anna’s memorial service. The entire situation remains fraught with unanswered questions and heartache for those left behind.
