The tragic death of a Florida cheerleader, Anna Kepner, aboard a Carnival cruise ship has taken a new twist as her father, Christopher Kepner, becomes embroiled in a contentious custody dispute. This legal battle pits his wife, Shauntel Kepner, against her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, adding further complexity to an already heart-wrenching situation.

Anna was on a family vacation when she was discovered dead in her cabin on November 7, at approximately 11:15 a.m. Accompanying her on this trip were her father, stepmother, grandparents, and several siblings. Her sudden passing has since been under investigation by the FBI, with the family revealing to ABC News that her death was determined to be a homicide due to mechanical asphyxiation.

The investigation remains shrouded in mystery, as the FBI has yet to publicly name any suspects or press criminal charges. However, the custody battle in family court has brought to light that Shauntel Kepner and Thomas Hudson’s 16-year-old son is under scrutiny by federal investigators in relation to Anna’s demise.

Amidst this turmoil, the family’s grief is compounded by the legal entanglements surrounding Anna’s passing. As the investigation continues, the hope for clarity and justice remains at the forefront for all those involved.

While the bureau hasn’t publicly identified anyone as a suspect, and no criminal charges have been filed, the feud in family court between Christopher’s wife, Shauntel Kepner, and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson, has revealed that their 16-year-old son is being investigated by the FBI in connection with Anna’s death.

Read the subpoena:

Christopher Kepner has been ordered to testify during a Dec. 5 hearing in Brevard County, according to a subpoena filed by Hudson’s attorney, Scott Smith.

Anna Kepner was identified by her family as the passenger who died onboard the Carnival Horizon. (Instagram/Anna Kepner)

After Anna’s death, Hudson asked the judge for custody of the daughter he shares with Shauntel, arguing in part that her parenting has directly put their 16-year-old son’s future “in jeopardy.”

“The Petitioner has not been allowed input into the children’s lives and his lack of involvement has negatively impacted the children,” Hudson wrote to the judge on Nov. 17.

Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead aboard a Carnival cruise ship on Nov. 7, during a vacation with her family.  (Anna Kepner/Instagram)

In a Nov. 20 court filing, Shauntel called Anna’s death a “suspected murder” and wants a non-dissemination order issued, which would bar each side from speaking publicly regarding aspects of the family court case.

Shauntel also asked the court to seal the case file, which would make documents inaccessible to the public.

They also have an 18-year-old son who lives with Hudson. He went to live with his dad after an alleged “violent altercation” between himself, Shauntel and Christopher Kepner, according to court filings.

Christopher Kepner has not responded to Fox News Digital’s attempts to reach him.