Authorities are investigating the tragic death of Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old high school cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 8. Her death has been ruled a homicide due to asphyxiation, according to a death certificate obtained by multiple news sources.
Anna was on a family vacation when her body was discovered under a bed in her cabin. Her 16-year-old stepbrother, who was sharing the room with her, is currently under significant scrutiny, though he has not been named a person of interest by law enforcement. Despite this, court documents filed by Anna’s stepmother and her ex-husband in an unrelated matter suggest that the teen may be the subject of a criminal investigation related to her death.
Barbara Kepner, Anna’s grandmother, has spoken out about the family dynamics and the troubling circumstances surrounding Anna’s passing. She described Anna and her stepbrother as very close, likening them to “two peas in a pod.” Barbara depicted the stepbrother as a quiet and diligent student, while also acknowledging that he may have faced personal challenges in the past.
The teenager is currently in the custody of Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, following a divorce from his father, Thomas Hudson. Barbara recalled witnessing part of the FBI’s interrogation of her grandson, describing him as “an emotional mess” who was struggling to comprehend the events that had transpired. Reports indicate that he was the last person seen entering and leaving the shared room, yet he claims to have no recollection of the incident.
The investigation is ongoing, and the FBI has not publicly commented on the case, which has left the family and community in shock. As authorities continue their inquiries, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind Anna Kepner’s untimely death.