Executive Summary
- The FBI is leading the investigation into the death of Anna Kepner, 18, who was found deceased on a Carnival cruise ship on November 7.
- The incident occurred in international waters while the Carnival Horizon was on a six-day trip to the Caribbean, giving the FBI jurisdiction.
- Carnival Cruise Line has stated it is fully cooperating with federal authorities and that there is no ongoing safety threat aboard the ship.
- A cause of death has not been released, and officials have not commented on whether foul play is suspected pending the investigation.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has taken over the inquiry into the death of an 18-year-old Florida high school student who was found deceased aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month. Anna Kepner was discovered on November 7 while vacationing with her family on a six-day cruise to the Caribbean, prompting a federal investigation due to the incident occurring in international waters.
The vessel, the Carnival Horizon, returned to its port in Miami following the discovery. Carnival Cruise Line has issued a statement confirming its cooperation with the FBI’s Miami office. “Carnival Cruise Line is fully cooperating with the Miami office of the FBI in the investigation of the death of a guest traveling on Carnival Horizon last week,” the company stated.
The cruise line also noted that the FBI has advised there is no related safety threat to other passengers as the ship continues its current voyages. According to an online obituary, Ms. Kepner was a beloved daughter who had plans to join the military after her high school graduation.
Her family is currently planning a celebration of life and has asked for privacy during this difficult time. As the investigation is ongoing, authorities have not yet released an official cause of death or specified if foul play is suspected. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.