MIAMI, Fla. — The FBI has opened an investigation into the death of an 18-year-old passenger found deceased aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship, which returned to PortMiami on Saturday morning with nearly 4,000 guests on board. What began as a weeklong Caribbean vacation ended in tragedy, leaving family members and passengers searching for answers.
According to Carnival Cruise Line, the incident occurred during the ship’s voyage through the Caribbean. When the vessel arrived back in Miami as scheduled, federal agents boarded the ship to begin their investigation. The cruise line confirmed that it is fully cooperating with the FBI’s Miami field office, which has taken the lead due to the death involving a U.S. citizen at sea.
Authorities were seen removing a body from the ship, which was taken into the custody of the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy. While the FBI has not yet released the victim’s identity or the cause of death, multiple social media posts from friends and family have identified the deceased as Anna Kepner, a recent high school graduate from Titusville, Florida. Loved ones described her as bright, kind, and full of life, saying her loss has left them devastated.
Passengers aboard the Carnival Horizon said parts of the ship were temporarily blocked off as crew members assisted law enforcement officials in gathering evidence. Carnival released a short statement expressing condolences to the family, adding that the safety and well-being of guests and crew remain their top priorities. The company said it is committed to supporting investigators and assisting the victim’s loved ones during this difficult time.
The FBI’s investigation will focus on determining what led to the young woman’s death, including whether foul play or other circumstances may have been involved. Officials said all deaths aboard cruise ships are initially treated as potential criminal cases until proven otherwise. The medical examiner will conduct a full examination to determine the official cause and manner of death.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy has cast a shadow over the cruising community and the town of Titusville, where Anna was well known and loved. Friends and family are mourning her loss, remembering her as a caring young woman with big dreams and a bright future. The FBI and Carnival Cruise Line have said more information will be released as soon as it becomes available.
