FBI Investigates Death of Florida Teen Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting an inquiry into the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a Florida high school student, who was found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Kepner was traveling with her father, stepmother, and three stepsiblings on a Caribbean voyage when the incident occurred.

According to law enforcement sources, Kepner's body was discovered by a housekeeper under the bed in her stateroom as the ship was returning to Miami on November 8. The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner has not yet released the cause or manner of death.

In a recent court filing related to a divorce case involving Kepner's stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, it was disclosed that the FBI has indicated a criminal case may be initiated against one of Hudson's minor children. The filing states, "The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action." As a result, Hudson has requested a delay in her custody hearing, citing the potential for prejudicial testimony.

The FBI has jurisdiction over the case as the death occurred in international waters and involved a U.S. citizen. The agency is collaborating with Carnival Cruise Line's security team, reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing electronic key card data, and conducting interviews with passengers, crew members, and Kepner's family. Carnival Cruise Line has stated it is cooperating fully with the federal investigation.

Kepner was a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, with aspirations to join the military after graduation. Her family described her as a "happy, bubbly, straight-A student with a bright future ahead." The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not released further details at this time.