The 18-year-old passenger who died under mysterious circumstances aboard the cruise ship Carnival Horizon earlier this month died from asphyxiation, and her death has been ruled a homicide, according to a death certificate shared by her family. The Miami medical examiner concluded that Anna Kepner was “mechanically strangled by another person(s)” at approximately 11:17 a.m. on 7 November—a finding that aligns with previously reported preliminary conclusions linked to the FBI investigation.
Kepner’s family described her as an honours student and cheerleader who planned to pursue a military career after university.
A security source told ABC News that Kepner’s body was found under a bed, covered with a blanket and life jackets. Reports say the body was discovered on 7 November by a crew member cleaning the cabin.
The FBI is investigating the case under special maritime jurisdiction, which applies when certain criteria related to the vessel, the victim, or the voyage are met. Carnival Cruise Line has said it is fully cooperating with investigators.
Court filings in a related child-custody matter indicate that Kepner’s stepbrother, who her grandmother told ABC had been sharing her cabin, could face charges in connection with her death. No arrests or charges have been announced so far.
