FBI Investigates Death of 18-Year-Old on Carnival Horizon

Federal authorities have opened an investigation into the death of 18-year-old passenger Anna Kepner, who died while sailing aboard Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Horizon on a Caribbean itinerary that departed from Miami, according to the FBI’s Miami Field Office and Carnival.

What investigators have confirmed so far

Kepner, a high school senior from Titusville, Florida, died on the final day of the voyage while the ship was at sea. Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, as scheduled, and federal agents responded after the ship arrived.

Officials have released few details about what happened, and no cause of death has been publicly disclosed. Kepner’s body was transferred to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy, authorities said.

Timeline and key known facts from officials

• Carnival Horizon completed a six-day Caribbean sailing and arrived back at PortMiami on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025. Federal authorities responded after the ship returned to port, and the FBI’s Miami Field Office opened an inquiry into Kepner’s death.
• The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner listed 11:17 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, as Kepner’s time of death. Authorities have not said where on the ship she was found or what led to her death.
• The itinerary was described as a Western Caribbean cruise, with accounts indicating stops including Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel. Authorities have not publicly clarified whether Kepner was traveling alone or with companions.

What the FBI and Carnival have said

FBI Miami spokesperson James Marshall confirmed the office responded, but said no additional information was available while the matter remains active. Because the death occurred at sea, the investigation involves federal jurisdiction and coordination with other authorities.

Carnival said it is cooperating with the FBI. In a statement, the cruise line said, “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest,” adding that it is cooperating with the FBI.

Why cruise-ship deaths can draw federal review

Maritime incidents can fall under federal jurisdiction, including events that occur at sea, and the investigative process can limit what becomes public early on.

In an earlier explanation given to USA Today regarding another cruise-ship death, then-Carnival spokesperson Matt Lupoli described FBI review as a standard practice and said it “does not automatically imply suspicious circumstances.”

Miami maritime attorney Nick Gerson, speaking to CBS News Miami, said early FBI involvement can suggest investigators are assessing whether there may have been wrongdoing, while also noting that public access to information can be limited without court processes.

Who Anna Kepner was

Kepner was a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville and was remembered by family and friends as an outgoing presence. In comments shared publicly, her relatives described her as a straight-A student and said she could “make you laugh” and “light it up” when she entered a room.

Her family and community also highlighted her plans after graduation. Kepner had been preparing for military service after finishing high school in May 2026, and her family said she had recently completed entrance testing and started speaking with recruiters.

She was active in athletics and school activities, including gymnastics from early childhood and participation as a varsity cheerleader. In tributes, friends and relatives also described her as someone who enjoyed being around people, stayed involved in her community, and volunteered locally. According to accounts shared by those close to her, she held a boater’s license and scuba certification and was affectionately nicknamed “Anna Banana.”

Memorials in Titusville and the family’s request for privacy

Students and staff at Temple Christian School held tributes in Kepner’s memory, including a memorial around her car in the school parking lot with flowers and balloons. Classmates also gathered for a balloon release over the Indian River, and the school offered counseling for grieving students.

As online discussion about the case grew, Kepner’s family asked for privacy and urged the public to stop spreading unverified claims about the circumstances of her death. A Celebration of Life was scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 20, in Titusville, Florida.

The ship and the voyage

Carnival Horizon is a Vista-class cruise ship that measures about 1,055 feet and roughly 133,500 tons. It has a passenger capacity of about 3,960, with approximately 1,450 crew members, and Carnival operates the ship on Caribbean itineraries from Miami. The ship also sails from Galveston, Texas, on various cruise lengths.

The sailing on which Kepner died was described as a six-day Caribbean cruise that returned to Miami on Nov. 8, with reported stops in Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

What remains unknown

Authorities have not released the cause of death, described the circumstances leading up to Kepner’s death, or said where on the ship she was found. Carnival Horizon continued operating after returning to Miami, and the FBI investigation remained ongoing as of the latest updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Did the ship return to Miami on schedule?

Yes. Carnival Horizon arrived back at PortMiami on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2025, as planned, and federal agents responded after the ship returned.

Has a cause of death been released?

No. Authorities have not released a cause of death. Kepner’s body was transferred to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.

Why is the FBI investigating?

The death occurred while the ship was at sea, which can place maritime incidents under federal jurisdiction. The FBI’s Miami Field Office confirmed it responded and opened an inquiry, though officials have said little publicly while the matter remains active.

What has Carnival Cruise Line said publicly?

Carnival said it is cooperating with federal authorities and, in a statement, said, “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest,” adding that it is cooperating with the FBI.

When was Anna Kepner’s time of death listed by the medical examiner?

The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner listed 11:17 a.m. Friday, Nov. 7, as Kepner’s time of death.