Law enforcement agencies are investigating the tragic death of Anna Kepner, 18, of Titusville, Florida. She was pronounced dead while on board the Carnival Horizon on November 8. They discovered the missing young cheerleader all bundled up in a blanket and topped off with life vests. She was curled under the bed in the stateroom that she shared with her stepsibling. This family vacation meant her dad, step-mom, and two step-siblings.
Anna Kepner was to have graduated from high school next year, a coming of age ceremony that now will never happen. Her unexpected passing has sent the whole community into mourning. Preliminary findings show she likely died from asphyxiation due to ligature strangulation. Investigators later described seeing two finger-shaped bruises on the side of her neck.
After the ship docked in Miami, Anna was transported to the hospital, but they were unable to save her life.
Heather Wright, Anna’s biological mother, told the Associated Press that she was devastated to find out her daughter had died. She stated,
“I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise.”
Her very recent admission on how she first heard about the tragedy sheds further light on the unbearably sad circumstances that played into Anna’s death.
A memorial service for Anna Kepner took place at a local church in Titusville, where mourners were encouraged to wear bright colors “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.” The community has rallied to honor Peters, the energetic cheerleader who had brightened the lives of countless classmates during her short years in high school.
Following a thorough investigation into Anna’s death, authorities have named her stepbrother, a 16-year-old boy, and the prime suspect. As the investigation continues, we hope that more information will be available about the events that led to this needless death.