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Florida teen found dead on Carnival cruise in suspected asphyxiation
An 18-year-old Central Florida student, Anna Kepner, was discovered dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month while vacationing with her family in the Caribbean, authorities confirmed. A death certificate obtained by ABC News cites "mechanical asphyxia" as the cause, with the date of injury listed as November 6.
Discovery and investigation
Kepner's body was found in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests, according to ABC News. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office declined to comment, citing an "active and ongoing investigation." The FBI has not identified suspects or filed charges.
The family was on a week-long trip that included Kepner's father, stepmother, three step-siblings, and her grandparents. Carnival Cruise Line stated it is "fully cooperating" with the FBI's probe.
Family seeks answers
Kepner's grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, described the teen as a vibrant member of a close-knit blended family. "We were all having a great time," Barbara Kepner told ABC News. "I couldn't fathom why anyone would want to hurt my baby."
Jeffrey Kepner recalled the trip as an opportunity to spend time with his son and grandchildren. "The cruise itself wasn't what made me excited," he said. "It was the fact that I was gonna get to spend another week with my youngest son and his family and all the grandkids."
"It's all family. It's a blended family, yes, but that's not how our family is. Our dynamic is we're all just family."
Jeffrey Kepner, Anna's grandfather
Last moments
Barbara Kepner said her granddaughter last complained about her braces before dressing up to join the family in the ship's casino. "Meemaw, I love you guys, I'll see you later," Anna told her. "And we never saw her again after that."
The grandparents emphasized that Kepner, set to graduate high school in May, had planned to enlist in the U.S. Navy. "We were looking forward to seeing her grow," Jeffrey Kepner said.
Unresolved questions
While the death certificate provides a cause, Barbara Kepner said, "It helps a little bit, but it's not going to bring Anna back." The family continues to seek clarity as the investigation unfolds.
