Carnival Horizon Tragedy: A Closer Look at the Investigation
The tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon has been officially ruled a homicide. Her death certificate, issued on 24th November 2025, reveals the cause as “mechanical asphyxia.” This indicates that Anna was suffocated by another person.
Death Certificate Confirms Asphyxiation
The certificate aligns with earlier reports suggesting Anna died from a bar hold, a choking method that applies pressure to the neck. The date of injury is recorded as 6th November 2025, but the exact time of death remains unclear. Initially, the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner noted the time of death as 11.17am on 7th November 2025. This detail is now under review.
Anna’s body was found under a bed in her cabin, covered with a sheet and life jackets. FBI agents were present when the ship docked in PortMiami. Autopsy and toxicology results are still pending.
No Arrests as Investigation Continues
Despite the homicide ruling, no arrests have been made. Investigators are scrutinising the movements of those who shared the cabin with Anna, including her 16-year-old step-brother. He is mentioned in court documents as a person of interest but has not been charged. Authorities have not publicly identified any suspects.
Court documents reveal that Anna’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, requested a delay in unrelated custody proceedings. She cited the potential for a criminal case involving one of her children. Security footage has been reviewed to establish a timeline of Anna’s final hours, but these videos have not been released to the public.
Grandparents Defend Blended Family
Amidst growing public speculation, Anna’s grandparents have spoken out. In an exclusive interview with ABC News, they urged caution and offered insight into the family dynamics. Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner described a close bond between Anna and her step-brother. “They were two peas in a pod,” Barbara Kepner shared.
The grandparents explained that the teenagers chose to share a cabin and had the option to sleep elsewhere if needed. “We made it very clear that at any time if they weren’t getting along … we had an extra bed in our room that they could come to,” Barbara said. They also noted the step-brother’s deep distress following Anna’s death. “He was an emotional mess. He couldn’t even speak. He couldn’t believe what had happened,” she added.
Following the ship’s return, the teenager was hospitalised for psychiatric observation. The investigation continues as authorities work to uncover the truth behind this tragic event.
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