Executive Summary
- Anna Kepner, 18, died at 11:17 a.m. on Nov. 7 aboard the Carnival Horizon in international waters, the medical examiner confirmed.
- The death falls under the Death on the High Seas Act, which can severely limit financial compensation for the victim’s family.
- The victim’s father has stated that the family has not received any information from the FBI, which is leading the investigation.
The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner has confirmed the time of death for 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship in international waters last week. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is handling the case, though the victim’s family reports they have yet to receive any information from the agency regarding the ongoing investigation.
According to the medical examiner’s office, Kepner passed away on Friday, November 7, at 11:17 a.m. At that time, the Carnival Horizon was sailing in international waters off the northwest coast of Cuba. The circumstances surrounding her death have not been released by authorities.
The location of the vessel is legally significant, as the case falls under the jurisdiction of the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA). This federal law applies to deaths occurring in international waters and often limits the compensation available to the families of victims, primarily to cover pecuniary losses such as funeral expenses.
Christopher Kepner, the victim’s father, has expressed frustration over the lack of communication from federal investigators. “The FBI hasn’t shared anything with me yet,” Kepner told the Daily Mail. “I have no idea what is going on right now. We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.”
Investigation Continues
The FBI’s investigation into the death of Anna Kepner is ongoing. While official details remain limited, the confirmation of the time of death marks a new development in the case as her family awaits further information from federal authorities.