Anna Kepner: Florida high school student dies aboard Carnival cruise ship; FBI opens investigation

FBI investigating Carnival cruise passenger death

A Caribbean cruise turned into a nightmare after a teenager from Titusville died while on board the Carnival Horizon. Now the FBI is getting involved. The victim has been identified as 18-year-old Anna Kepner.

The FBI has opened an investigation after a passenger aboard Carnival's Horizon cruise ship died over the weekend, both the FBI and Carnival Cruise Line have confirmed.

In a statement to FOX 35 News, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that its Carnival Horizon ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday morning, Nov. 8, 2025, following the death of a passenger. Few details on the nature of the investigation or the circumstances of the death have been released. 

The family talked with ABC News and identified the woman as 18-year-old Anna Kepner. She was raised in Titusville, Florida, according to the report, and was preparing to graduate from Temple Christian School.

What they're saying:

"The death of a guest traveling on the Carnival Horizon voyage that returned to PortMiami on Saturday morning, Nov. 8 is being investigated by 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. Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest," read a statement from Carnival. 

In a separate statement, a spokesperson for the FBI's Miami Field Office confirmed to FOX affiliate, WSVN, on Saturday that agents had responded to the scene. No other details were immediately released.

Anna Kepner remembered as ‘A’ student with military dreams, report says

In an interview with ABC News, family members identified the woman as 18-year-old Anna Kepner.

Family members said Kepner was preparing to graduate from high school in May and that she had recently taken her test to join the military, according to the ABC News' report. She was remembered as someone who did well in school, had a happy and bubbly personality, and enjoyed volunteering within her grandparents' 55+ community.

The school community gathered on Monday morning at the school to remember Anna, according to a post shared on the school's page. Several bouquets of flowers and balloons were placed on a vehicle in the parking lot.

"I want to thank everyone that came out this morning for Anna and her family," School Administrator Andrea Stone wrote. "The parking lot was full of so many that knew and loved her."

‘A bright, kind-hearted young woman’

"You were a bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom. Your curiosity, your gentle spirit, and the way you cared for those around you made a lasting impression on me and on everyone who knew you," read another post signed by a Mr. Brunner.