Cause of Death for Anna Kepner, Teen Found Dead on Carnival Cruise, Revealed

The newly disclosed cause of Anna Kepner's death, paired with physical findings and official silence, has intensified public attention on the circumstances surrounding the teenager's passing aboard a Carnival cruise.

Anna Kepner was found to have died from asphyxiation caused by a bar hold — a maneuver involving an arm pressed across the neck — according to a source familiar with the investigation.

That same source confirmed that two bruises were noted on the side of her neck.

Anna Kepner smiling with fellow students. | Source: Facebook/Temple Christians School

No Drugs, No Assault, but Still No Public Word from Authorities

There were no indications of sexual assault or substances in her system based on early findings. However, the results from the full autopsy and toxicology assessments are still pending. Neither the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office nor the FBI has offered public comment on the case.

The Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami the day after her death, on Saturday, November 8. Since then, federal investigators have been reviewing surveillance footage and continuing inquiries into the case. As of Saturday, November 22, no charges have been filed.

Anna Kepner smiles and poses alongside classmates. | Source: Facebook/Temple Christian School

'Pure Energy': Obituary Captures a Spirited, Unforgettable Young Life

Kepner's obituary, published by North Brevard Funeral Home, describes her as "pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself."

She was remembered for her unfiltered humor, spontaneous gestures of kindness, and love for music, cheerleading, boating, and arts and crafts. She had earned her boater's license and scuba certification, and she dreamed of joining the U.S. Navy after graduation to become a K9 police officer.

Anna Kepner enjoying an outing with fellow students. | Source: Facebook/Temple Christian School

Crowd in Blue Gathers to Celebrate a Life That Lit up the Room

A Celebration of Life service was held on Thursday, November 20, at The Grove Church in Titusville. Guests were asked to wear colors instead of black in honor of Kepner's vibrant personality, with her favorite color — blue — standing out among the crowd.

The family declined any GoFundMe requests and instead invited friends to leave flowers on Kepner's car at Temple Christian School or make donations through the funeral home.

"She danced in the light she left behind, and it will never fade," her obituary read. As authorities continue their investigation, the family has asked for privacy and for Kepner to be remembered with "laughter, color, sunshine, and love."

As we had previously reported, Kepner's grieving mother Heather Wright is remembering her beloved daughter with tear-jerking reflections about how joyful and compassionate she was.

Kepner tragically lost her life aboard Carnival's Horizon cruise ship on November 7, 2025. She was just 18 years old and a native of Titusville, Florida, who was preparing to graduate from Temple Christian School.

'She Never Really Complained': Heartbroken Mom Remembers Her Daughter's Joyful Spirit

Wright painted a vivid portrait of the daughter she adored — a young woman brimming with a contagious zest for life. "She was a really good child," Wright said in an interview. "She never really complained about much. She never really cried that much as a baby and as a teenager she was the same. Just always happy [sic]."

From her earliest years, Kepner's radiant spirit left a lasting mark on those around her. Her mother fondly recalled how she was rarely seen without a smile — a fact evident in the many childhood photos Wright shared.

Kepner also loved horseback riding and cheerleading, passions that allowed her to shine in her own vibrant way. But it wasn't just her hobbies that defined her — it was her kindness. "She was always trying to make everybody smile," Wright added. "An extremely happy child."

Even as their physical distance grew in recent years — with Wright living in Oklahoma — Kepner's warmth and emotional presence remained deeply felt. The young woman had embraced her role as a big sister with the same boundless affection she offered to the rest of the world.

The Cruel Twist No Parent Should Ever Endure

For Wright, these memories now stand as both a comfort and a piercing reminder of the loss she's still struggling to process. What makes Wright's grief all the more harrowing is the way she learned of her daughter's death — not through a phone call from authorities or a formal notification, but by piecing together fragmented online posts.

"I found out through Google," she revealed. "I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise."

Blue for Anna Kepner: Loved Ones Fill Church with Color and Heartbreak

Adding to the heartbreak, Wright has yet to hear from Kepner's father or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) since her daughter's sudden passing. Just days after Wright learned the truth in the most unimaginable way, mourners gathered at a Titusville church on Thursday evening, November 20, where family and friends came together to honor Kepner's short but radiant life.

The sanctuary was awash in bright colors — not the sombre tones of mourning, but hues chosen deliberately to reflect Kepner's vibrant spirit. Many attendees wore blue, a favorite of her family's, as a symbolic nod to the teenager's enduring joy.

"It's heartbreaking. It's so sad. This shouldn't be happening," one attendee shared, echoing the collective sorrow felt throughout the room. Those who spoke remembered Kepner as outgoing, bubbly, and deeply passionate about cheerleading and being near the water. Her former boyfriend, Josh Tew, was among those hit hardest.

"She was the best that ever happened to me," he said. His uncle described the atmosphere as one filled with profound love and aching loss. Yet, even as loved ones gathered in remembrance, haunting questions continue to loom.

What Happened to Anna Kepner?

Kepner had been on a cruise with her father, stepmother, and 16-year-old stepbrother when she died on that Friday (November 7) at 11:17 a.m., according to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner. The FBI is currently investigating the case but has released little public information.

While they have not confirmed whether the case is being treated as a homicide, court documents from an unrelated custody dispute suggest authorities are focusing on her stepbrother as a suspect.

The same filings reveal that the teen is now living with a relative on his mother's side, and that his mom — Kepner's stepmother — has declined to testify in the custody proceedings, citing concerns that doing so could incriminate either herself or her son.

As of November 20, no charges have been filed, and the medical examiner has yet to determine an official cause of death. Meanwhile, law enforcement continues to comb through thousands of hours of cruise ship surveillance footage — including a video allegedly showing Kepner with a potential suspect.

'Our Focus Is on Supporting the Family': Carnival Cruise Line Breaks Silence on Teen's Death

Carnival Cruise Line confirmed that the Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami on the morning of Saturday, November 8, 2025, following Kepner's death.

They also released a statement about the tragedy. "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," they added.

In a time that should have been filled with senior year memories and college plans, Kepner's final days remain shrouded in silence, sorrow, and unanswered questions.

As her loved ones continue to grieve and search for clarity, Kepner's death has also ignited a powerful wave of public response — with many online voicing concern, outrage, and a growing demand for answers surrounding the circumstances of her passing.

Online Fury and Fear Explode After Anna Kepner's Mysterious Death

One person shared their firm stance on cruising, "I’ll never go on a cruise." Another expressed concern about modern travel safety, "Doing trips now has become so dangerous it [sic] unbelievably, now u gotta be so careful 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾."

A warning to young travelers on a cruise came from an individual who wrote, "Young girls and women that go on these cruises should NEVER EVER go ALONE OR LEAVE THE CABIN OR THE CRUISE SHIP AREA ANYWHERE ALONE [sic]!!!!!"

Heartbroken over the teen's death, one person added, "She was murdered and praying they find the scum who did this to her!! Praying the cameras were working on the ship."

Critiquing cruise protocols, a fellow spectator commented, "No one should have been allowed to leave the Ship until the investigation was Completed. Someone on the Ship killed her [sic]."

Anna Kepner posing in a mirror selfie, posted on November 11, 2025. | Source: Facebook/TrueCrimeWithAD

Another netizen extended their condolences and prayers, "This is heartbreaking 💔 Everyone is in my prayers ❤️🙏🙏🙏❤️." Someone who shared a reflection on the impact of the tragedy noted, "This tragic, particularly for those close to her 🤲 [sic]."

Someone else wanted to know about the circumstances of the death, penning, "So sad. Was she by herself or hanging out with friends? Was her parents on the cruise with her or with a chaperone? Where was she found? Im curious to know. Wasn't too long ago my 18 year olds were on a carnival cruise with me and I worried about their safety and told them to never walk anywhere alone [sic]."

Anna Kepner smiling for the camera. | Source: Facebook/TrueCrimeWithAD

Finally, a pragmatic and grim, perspective on the cruise line's response was offered, "There not going to stop the cruise cause sumone died that's a lot of refunds. They have freezers on the ship for this exact reason [sic]."

At this time, we wish to extend our deepest condolences to Wright, Kepner's entire family, loved ones, friends, school, teachers, fellow students, and community, as they mourn such a significant loss. We hope for their healing amid their grief. RIP, dear Kepner.