FBI Investigates Death Of 18-Year-Old “Straight-A” Student Aboard Carnival Horizon

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Authorities in the United States have launched an investigation following the death of a passenger onboard Carnival Horizon during its latest Caribbean sailing.

Carnival Horizon

When the ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday, 8th November 2025, agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) boarded the vessel to begin enquiries into the incident.

In a statement shared with US media, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the cruise line said.

Update: The family of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a student from Florida, have confirmed that it was she who passed away on the ship.

Courtesy of the Kepner family

Anna was described as a straight-A student set to graduate in May, who had taken tests to join the military.

FBI and Cruise Line Investigating

According to a brief statement from the FBI’s Miami office, agents “responded to the scene” when the ship docked. “Because this is an ongoing matter, no further information is available at this time,” the spokesperson added.

Passengers onboard the 6-night cruise – which sailed from Miami on 2nd November and visited Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel – reported a medical emergency announcement on the final day of the voyage. However, it has not been confirmed whether that was linked to the death.

Some guests staying on Deck 8 said they received letters advising them to vacate their cabins early on disembarkation day to allow investigators to access the area.

“Authorities will be joining the ship first thing upon arrival to complete an investigation and will be in the area of your hallway,” the notice reportedly stated. “It could be noisy and disruptive, so we kindly ask that you be out of your stateroom by 7:00 a.m.”

Those guests were offered breakfast before being escorted off the ship first.

A Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s van was also seen at the port after the ship arrived, suggesting local officials have taken possession of the body.

Miami Dade Medical Examiners Carnival Horizon
Image credit: @fox_sheldon

Cruise Schedule Unaffected

Despite the investigation, there was no significant delay to Carnival Horizon’s turnaround in Miami. The ship did leave a little later than planned, with the FBI apparently onboard until 5 pm.

But the ship has already departed on her next voyage – an 8-night Southern Caribbean itinerary visiting the so-called “ABC islands” of Aruba, Bonaire, and Curaçao.

Carnival Horizon, a Vista-class vessel launched in 2018, carries up to 3,960 guests at double occupancy (and nearly 5,000 at full capacity) with a crew of about 1,400.

Standard Protocol for Deaths at Sea

Deaths at sea are uncommon but not unprecedented, and cruise ships are required by maritime law to have medical facilities and secure morgues onboard.

When a death occurs, local and federal authorities become involved once the ship reaches port, particularly if the voyage began or ended in the United States.

In such cases, the FBI investigates any incidents involving possible foul play or suspicious circumstances, while natural or accidental deaths are typically referred to local medical examiners.

Carnival Cruise Line has not released further comment while the investigation remains open.

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