The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has left her family and authorities searching for answers. The Central Florida student, who was on vacation with her family in the Caribbean, was found dead in her cabin earlier this month. According to a death certificate provided by her family to ABC News, Anna died of ‘mechanical asphyxia,’ with the date of injury listed as November 6. Her body was discovered under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests. The death certificate further states that she was ‘mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).’ The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office has not confirmed these details, citing an ‘active and ongoing investigation.’ The FBI has yet to name any suspects, and no charges have been filed. Anna was traveling on the Carnival Horizon with her father, stepmother, three step-siblings, and grandparents. Her grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, described the family dynamic as close-knit, emphasizing that there was ‘no such thing as steps’ in their blended family. Anna, who was set to graduate high school in May and planned to join the U.S. Navy, was remembered by her grandmother as a loving and vibrant teenager. The last time Barbara saw her granddaughter alive, Anna had expressed discomfort from her braces but still joined the family in the cruise casino, saying, ‘Meemaw, I love you guys, I’ll see you later.’ Carnival Cruise Line has stated it is fully cooperating with the FBI’s investigation as the family continues to seek closure and justice for Anna’s untimely death.
