Federal agents are reviewing the death aboard the Carnival Horizon after the ship returned to Miami.
MIAMI, FL — The family of Anna Kepner, 18, said she was the passenger who died Saturday aboard the Carnival Horizon during a Caribbean voyage from Miami, as the FBI opened an investigation and the ship returned to PortMiami the same day.
Officials have released few details about the circumstances of the teen’s death, which occurred Nov. 8 as the 1,062-foot ship sailed a weeklong route in the Caribbean. Carnival Cruise Line said it is cooperating with authorities and providing support to Kepner’s relatives. The FBI’s Miami field office is leading the review. The case has drawn attention because of the victim’s age, the lack of immediate answers and the involvement of federal investigators who handle major incidents aboard U.S.-based cruise vessels.
Kepner was a high school senior from Titusville, on Florida’s Space Coast. Her family described her as “happy” and “bubbly,” a straight-A student looking ahead to graduation in May. They said she hoped to join the military after recently completing entrance steps and speaking with recruiters. The Horizon returned to Miami on Saturday, where federal agents boarded to begin interviews and evidence collection, according to the family and the cruise line. “We’re devastated,” a relative said, asking for privacy as they await official findings. Carnival confirmed crew members assisted authorities and that the line’s care team contacted the family.
Authorities have not released a cause or manner of death and have not publicly detailed where on the ship the incident occurred or whether foul play is suspected. The FBI typically reviews passenger deaths at sea, working alongside the U.S. Coast Guard and local medical examiners when ships call at U.S. ports. Horizon can carry nearly 4,000 guests and more than 1,400 crew. The itinerary included Caribbean ports before the ship’s return to Miami on Nov. 8, according to public schedules. Law enforcement activity at PortMiami briefly drew attention from disembarking travelers, but officials did not announce disruptions to customs processing. The company said guest services onboard relayed updates and support resources to those affected.
Records show the FBI opens inquiries on cruise incidents under federal maritime jurisdiction, especially when deaths occur among U.S. citizens or on U.S.-linked vessels. Prior high-profile cruise cases have involved lengthy timelines as investigators secure surveillance video, witness statements and electronic records from large ships. In such cases, authorities often coordinate with the ship’s security, collect logs and preserve camera footage from public decks, corridors and gangways. Investigators may also request cabin access records and medical notes from the onboard infirmary to reconstruct events. The pace can hinge on lab testing and medical findings, which are typically released by county examiners once complete.
The FBI said the matter remains open and declined to give further information. Carnival said it is cooperating and offering assistance to Kepner’s family. Next steps normally include a review of video evidence and continued passenger and crew interviews, followed by findings from the medical examiner in Miami-Dade County once testing and autopsy work conclude. If investigators determine criminal conduct, charges would be handled by federal prosecutors in the Southern District of Florida. Otherwise, the case could close with no charges once the cause and manner are established. As of Wednesday, officials had not announced a timeline for additional updates.
On the Space Coast, teachers and classmates remembered Kepner as an enthusiastic cheerleader who loved being around people. Neighbors in Titusville left flowers and notes for the family. At PortMiami, passengers described a subdued atmosphere during disembarkation as news spread of a death onboard. “Everyone was quiet and respectful,” said a traveler arriving from the cruise, who declined to give a last name. The cruise line said its care team is available to guests and crew who requested support.
Authorities have not released further details. The FBI review continues in Miami, with the next significant development expected when the medical examiner issues findings in the coming days or weeks.
Author note: Last updated November 12, 2025.