A heartbreaking tragedy happened aboard the Carnival Horizon, where an 18-year-old passenger passed away during a recent voyage, prompting a full investigation by the FBI’s Miami Field Office. The ship returned to PortMiami on Friday, November 8, reportedly earlier than scheduled, to cooperate with authorities.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the incident happened during the voyage and that the company is fully assisting federal investigators as the case continues. No official cause of death has been released, but the young woman has been identified as Anna Kepner, a high school senior who was traveling with her family on a six-night Western Caribbean cruise.
An emergency medical code was heard over the ship’s intercom on Deck 8 during the final day of the cruise. Guests were later informed that some areas would be temporarily restricted for investigative purposes, with a message reportedly advising that “authorities will be joining the ship first thing upon arrival.”
Anna’s family described her as “a happy, bubbly, straight-A student with a bright future ahead”, sharing that she had a gift for lifting others’ spirits. “When she walked into a room, she would light it up. If you were sad, she’d make you laugh,” they said.
In a brief statement, Carnival said:
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI. Since this is an ongoing matter under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, it is up to the FBI’s Miami public affairs office to provide further details.”
Under U.S. law, the FBI has jurisdiction over suspicious or unexplained deaths that occur aboard cruise ships involving American citizens or vessels docking at U.S. ports.
The Carnival Horizon is one of the largest ships in the fleet, carrying nearly 4,000 passengers on voyages from Miami to destinations including Jamaica, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.
Our thoughts are with Anna’s family and loved ones during this unimaginably difficult time.
