The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month has taken a disturbing turn as new details emerge about the circumstances surrounding her demise. The young Florida resident is believed to have died from asphyxiation during a violent encounter.

According to a report by ABC News, a source intimately familiar with the investigation revealed that Anna’s death resulted from a “bar hold”—a move where an arm is forcefully placed across the neck. This revelation sheds light on the grim nature of her passing, though the source clarified that there were no indications of sexual assault, and preliminary findings did not link her death to drugs or alcohol. However, the official autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities noting the presence of two bruises found on Anna’s neck, which align with the theory of strangulation. Despite these findings, the FBI and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office have not officially verified these claims, leaving many questions unanswered.

The sad discovery of Anna’s lifeless body was made by a room steward around 11 a.m. while tidying a cabin on the Carnival Horizon. Consequently, the cruise ship made an unexpected stop at Port Miami on November 8 to facilitate the investigation. As the case continues to unfold, the mystery of how this young woman met her untimely end remains under intense scrutiny.

The FBI and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office have not yet confirmed the claims.

As CrimeOnline previously reported, a room steward reportedly discovered Anna’s body at around 11 a.m. while cleaning a cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon. The ship then detoured and stopped at Port Miami on November 8.

Anna Kepner died on November 7, according to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner. The vessel was in Cuba at the time, on the northwest coast.

Her 16-year-old stepbrother, who was aboard the cruise with Anna and other family members, is currently considered a suspect in her death.

READ MORE: Anna Kepner: 16-Year-old Stepbrother Was Obsessed with Cheerleader Killed on Cruise Ship

The story is developing. Check back for updates.

[Feature Photo: Anna Kepner/Instagram]