FBI investigates death of Florida high school student on Carnival cruise ship, report says

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel on Nov 10, 2025

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ORLANDO, Fla. — A young woman whose death on board the Carnival Horizon cruise ship is being investigated by the FBI was identified by her family as a Central Florida high school senior, according to a report from ABC News.

Anna Kepner, 18, who attended Titusville’s Temple Christian School in Brevard County, was due to graduate in May.

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed a passenger had died on the ship that returned to PortMiami on Saturday, and that the FBI was involved in its investigation, but no other details about the death were released.

“Since this is an ongoing matter under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, it is up to the FBI’s Miami public affairs office to provide further details. Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest,” the cruise line said in an emailed statement.

Her family told ABC News that Kepner was a “happy, bubbly, straight-A student with a bright future ahead.”

“She had just finished taking the test to join the military,” the family told the media outlet. “She was already talking to recruiters and had chosen her career path. She wanted to do something that would help her community.”

The family told ABC she began gymnastics at the age of 2, and had joined the high school’s varsity cheerleading team.

Her school posted images of flowers placed atop her car that still remained parked in her senior parking spot on the school’s campus.

The post attributed to school administrator Andrea Stoner thanked everyone who came out Monday morning in memory of Anna.

“The parking lot was full of so many that knew and loved her,” it said. “Praise God that we can rest in knowing that Anna is with our Lord and Savior. It doesn’t make our grief any easier, but God is close to the broken hearted.”

An earlier post to the school’s Facebook page attributed to Mr. Brunner said, “Anna I will deeply miss you. You were a bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom.

“Your curiosity, your gentle spirit, and the way you cared for those around you made a lasting impression on me and on everyone who knew you. I will miss you poking your head in my office to say hello and that turning into a fun 15 minute conversation,” it continued. “Losing you is heartbreaking, yet I remain grateful for the time I had with you and the privilege of you becoming part of our TCS family. Your absence will be felt every day, but your impact and the memories you created will continue to live on in our hearts.”

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