18yo cheerleader goes on a Carnival Cruise of a lifetime. Then passengers say she was found dead under the bed in her cabin

According to NBC Miami, authorities identified an 18-year-old high school senior from Titusville, Florida, Anna Kepner, as the Carnival Cruise passenger who died in November 2025. Authorities recovered her body aboard the Carnival Horizon during a recent celebratory Caribbean voyage, according to Kepner’s family.

What happened to Anna Kepner?

Details about the exact circumstances of Kepner’s death remain undisclosed. Reports indicate the ship made no unusual announcement during the voyage. Some guests later noted that authorities boarded upon arrival in Miami, and certain areas were cordoned off for investigation.

According to unconfirmed reports on social media, other passengers on the ship say Kepner was found dead, wrapped in a blanket, under the bed in her cabin with sharp force injuries to her body. Others say she may have fallen from a balcony. Law enforcement, however, has not confirmed those details.

Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed the death occurred onboard, but did not specify timing, location within the ship, or cause of death.

Given that the incident involved an American citizen aboard a U.S.-based cruise line docking in a U.S. port, the FBI holds jurisdiction, and standard procedures require full cooperation with law enforcement.

Kepner ‘lit up’ the room

Kepner’s family painted a portrait of a young woman driven by service and connection. According to ABC News, they said: “When she walked into a room, she would light it up… If you were sad, she’d make you laugh.” She was enrolled at Temple Christian School, set to graduate in May 2026, and had been actively in contact with military recruiters about her future. 

Her athletic background included years of gymnastics from age 2, transitioning to varsity cheerleading in high school. Friends and family described her as someone who loved the water, spending time with friends, and giving back to her community through volunteer work.

Investigators have yet to release toxicology results, witness accounts, findings from the ship’s video or medical logs, or say whether foul play is suspected. Some reports mention she was traveling with her family, including her parents, Chris and Shauntel Kepner, and two younger sisters. The family has requested privacy while they await answers.

In an official statement, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incident, stating: “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.” Meanwhile, the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Miami Field Office confirmed it responded to the scene. However, the field office declined to speak further as the investigation remains ongoing. As the investigation proceeds, authorities have urged the media and the public to direct inquiries to the FBI’s Miami office, citing the ongoing nature of the case.