Key Aspects:
- A suspect has been identified in the suspicious death of Anna Kepner, who died onboard Carnival Horizon in early November.
- According to court filings, charges may be coming against Kepner’s step-sibling, who is still a minor.
- The investigation is still ongoing and an official cause of death has not yet been released.
Ever since 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found deceased onboard Carnival Horizon, no one has longed for answers more than her family.
Her death occurred during the Vista-class ship’s 6-night Western Caribbean sailing that embarked in Miami, Florida, on November 2, 2025.
The death was reported on November 8, 2025, but it’s believed that the teen died at 11:17 a.m. on November 7.
Unfortunately, the latest update in the case will be another heart breaking blow for Kepner’s loved ones.
According to a new court filing, Kepner’s step-sibling may face criminal charges related to the Florida cheerleader’s untimely death – though it’s unclear at this time when charges against the minor may officially be filed.
In an emergency motion filed on Monday, November 17, in Brevard County, Kepner’s stepmom, Shauntel Hudson, requested to delay divorce proceedings from her ex-husband because of the “extremely sensitive and severe circumstance.”
“The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action,” the filing states.
Read Also: Tributes Pour In for Florida Teen Who Died Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship
At this time, the step-sibling’s identity has not been publicly released, as is standard. Juvenile court typically protects the privacy of accused minors.
But depending on the nature of the charges and/or if the minor is tried as an adult, their identity may be released in the future.
No Cause of Death Revealed Yet
According to several news outlets and members of the family who have spoken out, Kepner was found dead in her cruise cabin by a room steward, wrapped in a blanket and hidden under the bed.
But while this doesn’t sound good, it’s important to remember that the investigation is still ongoing and Kepner’s official cause of death has not been revealed.
Suspicious death investigations can take several weeks to months, and Kepner’s situation is even more complicated because it occurred while sailing in international waters.
It’s important to let the authorities do their job and not jump to conclusions or spread rumors, if only out of respect for the family.
The family has requested privacy as they pay their respects to their loved one and grieve, and have shared that being thrust into the spotlight has been overwhelming.
In the meantime, Carnival Cruise Line is doing everything it can to support the family through this difficult situation and is cooperating with the investigation.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the cruise line said in a recent statement.
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Carnival Horizon also resumed normal operations after disembarkation and an initial inspection by FBI authorities on November 8, 2025.
The 3,960-guest ship would be sailing normally now if not for dealing with unexpected propulsion issues.
