Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old high school varsity cheerleader, was found dead under a cabin bed on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office ruled her death a homicide caused by mechanical asphyxiation, which is defined as an external obstruction impeding the body’s ability to breathe. According to the death certificate, which was reportedly provided by Kepner’s family, the 18-year-old was last seen alive on the night of November 6, the day before her body was discovered.
Her body was found wrapped in blankets in her cabin, shared with her 16-year-old stepbrother, and covered in life jackets, raising questions about the circumstances of her death. The FBI is handling the investigation, and while no suspects have been publicly named, her stepbrother has been identified as a potential suspect in court filings involving an ongoing custody dispute between her parents and his. Both sets of parents have not responded to requests for comment.
Kepner’s death has sparked a broader discussion about safety protocols on cruise ships, with some suggesting that life jackets, designed to save lives, could potentially be used as evidence in identifying the killer. Dr. Priya Banerjee, a forensic pathologist, noted that mechanical asphyxiation can occur in cases of homicide but is not always indicative of foul play, emphasizing the need for further investigation.
Her family’s report of the death certificate, which contradicts earlier statements, has added to the complexity of the case. The FBI is expected to continue its investigation to determine whether the case will result in criminal charges. Meanwhile, the case has drawn public attention due to the young age of the victim, her aspirations, and the unresolved questions surrounding her death.