The death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship has been officially ruled a homicide. According to a death certificate provided to ABC News by Kepner's family, the cause of death was "mechanical asphyxia," and the injury occurred on November 6, 2025. The document states that Kepner "was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s)," though the time of the incident remains unknown.
Kepner was found deceased under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests, while on vacation with her family, including her grandparents, father, stepmother, siblings, and stepsiblings. The Miami-Dade medical examiner has not released autopsy or toxicology reports and declined to comment on the case. The FBI has also not commented on the investigation.
The Kepner family shared with ABC News that the FBI indicated Anna may have died from asphyxiation, possibly caused by a bar hold, which involves an arm across the neck. A court filing in an unrelated family court matter suggested that Kepner's stepbrother, a minor, could face charges, though no charges have been filed yet.
Kepner, who was an independent young woman, was set to graduate high school in May and had aspirations to join the Navy. Her grandfather, Jeffrey Kepner, expressed his sorrow, saying, "We were looking forward to seeing her grow."