An 18-year-old student from Titusville, Anna Kepner, was found deceased on a Carnival Cruise ship that returned to Miami after a Caribbean voyage. The FBI is currently investigating the circumstances of her tragic death.
Kepner, described by her family as an A-student with aspirations to join the military, was found aboard the Carnival Horizon, a Panamanian-registered vessel, which docked at Port Miami on November 8. The exact cause of her death remains undetermined, and her body has been transferred to the Miami-Dade medical examiner’s office for an autopsy.
The FBI has jurisdiction over maritime incidents and boarded the ship as part of their investigation, which is not typical for deaths reported on cruise ships—those are usually managed by local authorities. Carnival Cruise Lines has confirmed the incident and expressed their condolences to Kepner’s family, emphasizing their commitment to providing support during this difficult time.
In a heartfelt statement, Anna’s family recalled her vibrant personality, affectionately referring to her as “Anna Banana.” They described her as a magnetic presence whose smile and warmth made her approachable and beloved by many. Friends and classmates at Temple Christian School paid tribute to Anna by decorating her car with flowers following the news of her passing.
Rich Brunner, a youth pastor at the school, shared his sorrow on social media, stating, “You were a bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom.”
As the investigation continues, the community reflects on the loss of a promising young life, with hopes that answers will provide some solace to her grieving family and friends.