18-year-old passenger who died aboard Carnival cruise ship identified by family
Share and Follow


Carnival Cruise Line is currently collaborating with the FBI’s Miami office as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding a recent incident.

WASHINGTON — The young woman who tragically passed away on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Saturday has been identified by her family and the local community as 18-year-old Anna Kepner from Titusville, Florida.

Kepner reportedly lost her life while on a Caribbean cruise that had departed from Miami. The ship returned to Port Miami as originally planned that morning.

Specific details about the cause of her death have not been disclosed.

ABC News confirmed Kepner’s identity with her family, who expressed their wish for her to be remembered for her kindness and vibrant spirit.

Temple Christian School in Titusville also shared tributes to Kepner on its Facebook page. 

Carnival Cruise Line said it was working with the FBI Miami office to investigate the incident.

“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the company said in a statement.

FBI Miami spokesperson James Marshall said the office responded to the scene, but he said no further information was available.

Kepner’s family described her to ABC News as a “happy, bubbly, straight-A student” who was preparing to graduate high school in May and had recently begun the process of joining the military.

“When she walked into a room, she would light it up,” her family told ABC News. “If you were sad, she’d make you laugh. She would joke around and be the funniest little person in school.”

“She was the best child you could ever meet,” her family told ABC News. “We’ll always remember her for who she was.”

Authorities have not said how or where on the ship Kepner died, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
New home restores independence to Texas veteran

Texas Veteran Reclaims Independence with New Home: A Heartwarming Transformation

NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (Nexstar) — For U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Albert Flores,…
Andrew Mountbatten Windsor may get a HYPHEN  at late Queen's request

Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor Considered for Name Change Following Late Queen’s Request

Buckingham Palace is reportedly reevaluating how to officially present Prince Andrew’s name,…
Dutch family has cared for graves of American soldiers for 80 years

Dutch Family Honors American Soldiers by Tending to Their Graves for Eight Decades

For nearly eight decades, a Dutch family spanning three generations has diligently…
Sydney Sweeney's movie flop sparks cruel remark about her body

Sydney Sweeney Faces Harsh Criticism on Body After Film Underperforms

Sydney Sweeney’s recent film, “Christy,” has not performed well at the box…
JFRD shares tips to keep safe & warm after responding to 5 house fires during cold-snap overnight

Stay Safe and Warm: JFRD Offers Essential Tips Following Surge in House Fires Amid Overnight Cold Snap

As the mercury plummets, the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department (JFRD) is…
Florida parents arrested after 4-year-old twins allegedly shot themselves

Florida Parents Detained Following Incident Involving 4-Year-Old Twins’ Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wounds

The parents of twin four-year-old boys are now facing legal action after…
Chicago shooting injures 3 inside Jewel grocery store on East 34th Street in Bronzeville: CPD

Tragic Shooting in Chicago’s Bronzeville: Three Injured Inside Jewel Grocery Store on East 34th Street

In Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, a shooting at a Jewel grocery store left…
Convicted sex offender allegedly tried to kill woman he followed home from Nashville concert

Convicted Sex Offender Faces New Charges for Attempted Murder After Following Woman from Nashville Concert

A Tennessee woman endured a terrifying ordeal in her apartment building, leading…