Tragic Death of 18-Year-Old Cheerleader Anna Kepner Aboard Carnival Horizon

18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner was found wrapped in a blanket, covered with life jackets and stuffed under a bed

Authorities are investigating the tragic death of 18-year-old high school cheerleader Anna Kepner. Her body was discovered aboard the Carnival Horizon after she failed to appear for breakfast during a family vacation. Anna, from Titusville, Florida, was on a six-day Caribbean cruise when she was reported dead in international waters between Mexico and Florida.

The Events Leading Up to the Discovery

According to multiple sources familiar with the case, Anna began feeling unwell during dinner on the evening of November 6. She returned to her cabin early. The next morning, her father, Christopher Kepner, 41, and stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, 36, gathered the family for breakfast. However, Anna was nowhere to be found. Family members searched the $800 million Panama-registered ship before a cabin steward discovered her body around 11 a.m. on November 7.

Chris Kepner and his wife, Shauntel Hudson, noticed Anna was missing at breakfast after she returned to the cabin the previous night because she felt ill – sparking a frantic search across the $800 million ship

Two individuals with direct knowledge of the discovery revealed that Anna was found wrapped in a blanket, covered with life jackets, and placed under a bed in the cabin. Her father did not respond to questions regarding these grim details. Federal authorities have not commented on the circumstances surrounding her death.

Christopher expressed frustration over the lack of information from investigators. “We were there as a family. Everybody was questioned. Everybody came off that ship. I don't know who they are looking at or what their investigation is,” he said. He added, “I have no idea what is going on right now. We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.”

A maid aboard the Carnival Horizon discovered her body around 11 a.m. on November 7 while entering the cabin to clean it

Medical Examination and Investigation

The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner recorded Anna's time of death as 11:17 a.m. on November 7 but did not specify the cause or location of death. Since the Carnival Horizon was between Cozumel and Miami at the time, the case falls under FBI jurisdiction.

The lack of information has fueled speculation across platforms like TikTok and Reddit. Christopher mentioned that the family has had to shut out online chatter and media coverage. “We are very private people. Our lives have been turned upside down,” he said.

18-year-old high school cheerleader Anna Kepner

Remembering Anna

Anna, affectionately known as “Anna Banana,” was a gymnast and varsity cheerleader preparing to graduate in May. She had aspirations to join the military and later become a canine officer with the Titusville Police Department. Friends and classmates at Temple Christian School have filled her parked Kia Forte with flowers and tributes, remembering her as a “bright, kind-hearted young woman.”

She lived with her father, stepmother Tabitha Kepner, 33, and her younger siblings. Tabitha said she is “still waiting for answers” and cannot comment further. Christopher, recently remarried, described his daughter as selfless, ambitious, and beloved. “She was special to so many people. The whole family is lost for words. We miss her and love her more than anything,” he said.

18-year-old high school cheerleader Anna Kepner

Anna's Passion for Travel

Anna’s social media showcased her enthusiasm for travel, including a previous cruise on the same ship just months earlier. In one video posted onboard, she wrote, “I wanna go back.” This passion for adventure highlighted her vibrant spirit and love for new experiences.

The Carnival Horizon had recently visited Jamaica to deliver hurricane aid and made tourism stops at Grand Cayman and Cozumel. When the ship returned to Miami on November 8, passengers were reportedly instructed to vacate their cabins earlier than usual.

Carnival's Response

Carnival stated that its focus is on supporting the family and cooperating with investigators. The FBI has indicated that no further information will be released at this time. The investigation continues, and many are left wondering about the circumstances surrounding Anna's untimely death.

In this tragic situation, the family seeks closure and answers. The community mourns the loss of a young life filled with potential and dreams. Anna's story serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.