Executive Summary
- The FBI is investigating the death of 18-year-old passenger Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
- This is the second FBI investigation into a passenger death on a Carnival Cruise Line ship in 2025.
- Carnival stated that FBI reviews of on-board deaths are standard procedure and do not necessarily imply suspicious circumstances.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is examining the death of an 18-year-old passenger, Anna Kepner, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship upon its return to Miami, Florida, on November 8. This marks the second instance this year that federal authorities have launched an investigation into a passenger death on a Carnival Cruise Line vessel.
The six-day cruise had sailed through the Caribbean. Kepner was a high school student expected to graduate in May 2026. Her family described her to ABC News as a student who would “light up” a room. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been publicly disclosed by authorities.
In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line acknowledged the investigation, stating, “Since this is an ongoing matter under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, it is up to the FBI’s Miami public affairs office to provide further details.” The company added that its primary focus is on supporting the guest’s family.
This incident follows a similar investigation in July after a passenger died aboard the Carnival Dream. At that time, a company spokesperson clarified the procedural nature of such events, noting it is “standard practice” for the FBI to review deaths that occur on cruise ships. The spokesperson emphasized that this protocol ensures transparency and “does not automatically imply suspicious circumstances.”
The FBI’s investigation into Kepner’s death is ongoing. No further details have been released by law enforcement or the cruise line at this time.