Florida Teen’s Tragic Cruise Death Sparks FBI Investigation
A shocking new development has shaken the already tragic case of Florida teen Anna Kepner, whose death aboard a luxury cruise has left her family devastated.
A Teen’s Life Cut Short
Eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner, a bright high school cheerleader from Zanesville, Ohio, was found dead on November 7, 2025, aboard the Carnival Horizon as it sailed toward Miami. Recent court filings reveal that the FBI may be investigating a family member in connection with her death.
Discovery and Court Filings
Authorities initially stayed silent. But the Daily Mail reported that a maid found Anna’s body hidden under the bed, covered with life jackets and a blanket.
On November 18, court documents filed by Shauntel Hudson, Anna’s stepmother, disclosed that the FBI is considering criminal charges against one of Shauntel’s minor children. The filing was submitted during Shauntel’s 2024 divorce proceedings, asking for more time to respond due to the “extremely sensitive and severe circumstance.”
FBI Investigation Targets Family Member
Shauntel, who recently married Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, brought three children into the marriage, including two minors. The filing notes the FBI is focusing on one of these children.
“Currently there is an investigation being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (F.B.I.) arising out of the sudden death of eighteen-year-old Anna Kepner,” the motion reads.
The filing also requests delaying a custody hearing, citing concerns that speaking in family court could jeopardize the criminal investigation.
A selfie of Anna Kepner posted on her Instagram page on October 28, 2024. | Source: Instagram/anna.kepner16
Timeline Leading to the Tragedy
Reports show Anna wasn’t feeling well the night before her death. She returned to her cabin early, and when she missed breakfast the next morning, worried family members searched for her.
Federal agents are reviewing CCTV footage, passenger key card data, and Anna’s cellphone. They are also interviewing family, crew, and passengers. Carnival Cruise Line confirmed full cooperation with the FBI.
Family Speaks Out
Anna’s father, Chris, described the family’s heartbreak.
“I have no idea what is going on right now,” he told the Daily Mail. “We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.”
Chris, a crane operator from Titusville, Florida, explained that his family — including Anna’s stepmother and siblings — were on vacation together when the tragedy occurred. Authorities detained the group for questioning and offloaded them from the ship.
The Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner pronounced Anna dead at 11:17 a.m. on November 7. The cause of death has not been released.
Remembering Anna Kepner
Anna’s family remembered her as a “happy, bubbly, straight-A student” with limitless potential. She had recently pursued a future in public service and had taken steps to join the military.
Anna also loved gymnastics, cheerleading, boating, scuba diving, shopping, and spending time with friends. She earned her boater’s license and scuba certification and was affectionately called “Anna Banana” by her family.
Her relatives said she lived life with energy and generosity, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and ambition.
Family Retreats Amid Rumors
As the investigation continues, social media speculation has added to the family’s grief. Chris admitted that they’ve had to shut out the world.
“I don’t watch TV anymore. We’ve literally had to stop doing anything to do with the internet,” he said.
What was meant to be a joyful family vacation has turned into a heartbreaking, public ordeal with more questions than answers.
