Authorities are conducting an investigation into the death of a Florida teenager who passed away while aboard a Carnival Cruise ship.
The teenager, Anna Kepner, aged 18, was found deceased on November 7. She was on a family vacation, enjoying a six-day Caribbean cruise when the tragedy occurred.
“Carnival Cruise Line is fully cooperating with the FBI’s Miami office,” Carnival stated to Oxygen. “We are assisting in the investigation into the unfortunate death of a guest traveling on Carnival Horizon last week.”
The FBI became involved because the incident took place in international waters, as reported by various sources. The cruise ship, known as “Horizon,” is capable of accommodating nearly 4,000 passengers and returned to Miami following the incident.
“The FBI has confirmed there is no threat to the safety of those currently on board,” Carnival added. “The ship continues its current itinerary without issue.” Meanwhile, Anna’s mother, Tabitha Kepner, has announced details for a celebration of life ceremony. A Facebook invitation encourages attendees to wear blue, honoring Anna’s favorite color.
“How could we ever express the beauty that was Anna Marie Kepner? Our Anna Banana, our sunshine, our babygirl?” reads an online obituary published online. It also mentions her aspiration to join the military after finishing high school. “The Kepner family requests privacy during this challenging time and wishes for Anna to be remembered with laughter, color, sunshine, and love, as that was how she lived her life.”
Anna previously shared a carousel of photos on Instagram taken during a different cruise trip in May, writing in the caption, “Birthday cruise with my grandparents.”
No other details surrounding Anna’s cause of death have been shared by law enforcement, including whether foul play might be suspected.
“Our focus remains on supporting the family of our guest,” Carnival added in its statement, “and cooperating with the FBI.”
