MIAMI, FL – The death of an 18-year-old Florida cheerleader whose body was found hidden beneath a bed on a Carnival cruise ship has been officially ruled a homicide, according to a death certificate obtained by her family.
Anna Kepner died from “mechanical asphyxia,” according to the document issued Monday. The certificate states the teenager “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s),” confirming what her family has suspected since her body was discovered aboard the Carnival Horizon on November 6.
Security sources briefed on the investigation revealed that Kepner was found dead beneath a bed in a cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests. The gruesome discovery ended what was supposed to be a family vacation.
Kepner had been traveling with her grandparents, father, stepmother, and siblings when tragedy struck. Family members previously stated that the FBI indicated death resulted from asphyxiation, possibly caused by a bar hold technique.
According to a court filing, Kepner’s stepbrother, who is a minor, could potentially face charges in connection with her death. However, no arrests have been made and no charges have been filed as of this week.
The autopsy and toxicology reports have not been publicly released. The Miami-Dade medical examiner’s office declined to comment on the case, and the FBI has not responded to requests for information about the ongoing investigation.
Kepner’s grandfather, Jeffrey, spoke about the devastating loss. “We were looking forward to seeing her grow,” he said.
Family members described Anna as a happy, straight-A student who had dreams of joining the Navy after graduating in May. Her sudden death has left loved ones searching for answers about what happened aboard the ship.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine exactly how the young woman died and who may be responsible.
