Federal authorities are currently conducting an investigation into the death of a Florida teenager who passed away during a Carnival Cruise voyage. The tragic incident involves Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old high school student whose body was found on November 7 while she was on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her family.

Carnival Cruise Line has expressed their full cooperation with the Miami office of the FBI in this matter. They stated to Oxygen, “Carnival Cruise Line is fully cooperating with the Miami office of the FBI in the investigation of the death of a guest traveling on Carnival Horizon last week.” The FBI became involved due to the fact that Anna’s death occurred in international waters, a jurisdiction that falls under their authority.

The ship, known as “Horizon,” has the capacity to accommodate nearly 4,000 passengers. It returned to Miami following the unfortunate discovery. Despite the tragic event, Carnival assured that there is no current safety threat to passengers aboard the ship, which is now on its subsequent journey. “The FBI has advised that there is no related threat to safety aboard, as it sails its current voyage,” Carnival stated.

In the wake of this heartbreaking news, Anna’s mother, Tabitha Kepner, has shared plans for a celebration of life ceremony to honor her daughter. She announced on Facebook that attendees are encouraged to wear blue, Anna’s favorite color, for the occasion. This gesture aims to celebrate the life and memory of the young woman whose untimely passing has touched many.

“The FBI has advised that there is no related threat to safety aboard,” Carnival continued, “as it sails its current voyage.”
Anna’s mother, Tabitha Kepner, recently shared details about the family’s upcoming celebration of life ceremony. An invitation posted on Facebook asks guests to wear shades of blue—Anna’s favorite color. 

“How can we possibly capture every bit of beauty that was Anna Marie Kepner? Our Anna Banana, our sunshine, our babygirl?” an obituary for Anna shared online reads, which also detailed her plans to join the military after graduation. “The Kepner family asks for privacy and respect during this difficult time—and for everyone to remember Anna with laughter, color, sunshine, and love. Because that’s exactly how she lived her life.”

Anna previously shared a carousel of photos on Instagram taken during a different cruise trip in May, writing in the caption, “Birthday cruise with my grandparents.”

No other details surrounding Anna’s cause of death have been shared by law enforcement, including whether foul play might be suspected. 

“Our focus remains on supporting the family of our guest,” Carnival added in its statement, “and cooperating with the FBI.”