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The death of an 18-year-old high school cheerleader aboard a Carnival cruise ship in early November has been ruled a homicide. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office confirmed that Anna Kepner died from asphyxiation caused by a "bar hold," a type of chokehold. The finding shifts the focus of the ongoing federal investigation toward a specific act of violence.
Kepner was found unresponsive in her cabin on the Carnival Horizon as the ship was returning to Miami on November 8 after a six-night Caribbean voyage. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) immediately took charge of the case upon the ship's arrival at PortMiami. Following the medical examiner's determination, Kepner's stepbrother has been identified as a person of interest. Tegan Bold, 19, who was reportedly traveling with Kepner, is expected to face charges in connection with her death, although formal charges have not yet been announced.
Friends and family remember Anna Kepner, a Florida high school senior, as a vibrant and dedicated individual. She was a straight-A student and a varsity cheerleader who had been involved in gymnastics since a young age. Her family described her as a happy and bubbly person with a bright future, set to graduate in May. The tragic details surrounding her death have sent shockwaves through her community.
Carnival Cruise Line has stated that it is fully cooperating with law enforcement. In a statement, the company expressed its condolences to the Kepner family, noting its support for them during this difficult time. While the FBI has not released further details on the motive or the specific events leading to the incident, the official cause of death confirms a violent struggle took place. The investigation remains active as authorities piece together the final hours of Kepner's life aboard the ship.
