The tragic death of 18-year-old cheerleader Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship has sparked grief, confusion, and tension within her fractured family. Her mother, Heather Wright, revealed that she attended her daughter’s funeral in secret, fearing arrest over unpaid child support, highlighting the collision of personal tragedy and estrangement.
Wright shared that she split from Anna’s father, Christopher Kepner, when their daughter was only 4 years old and moved to Oklahoma. Despite the estrangement, she claimed to have tried to maintain a connection over the years. However, she was left out of her daughter’s online obituary initially, with an edited version adding her name and removing references to other relatives.
The FBI is investigating the homicide, with preliminary reports indicating that the death was caused by mechanical asphyxiation. While no formal charges have been filed, court documents mention the 16-year-old stepbrother of Anna, whose mother is engaged in a custody dispute with his biological father, as a suspect. Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, has yet to comment on the case, and he is now with his third wife, Shauntel Kepner, who is involved in an ongoing legal battle with Thomas Hudson.
The situation has raised concerns about family dynamics and the role of legal issues in personal tragedies. Wright expressed her frustration, questioning why she was viewed as the ‘bad guy’ in the circumstances, citing her concerns about the placement of her daughter with her stepbrother in the same cabin. The FBI, which is conducting the investigation, has not publicly disclosed any details about the case or the suspects involved.