Fri Nov 21 20:40:00 UTC 2025: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FBI Investigates Death of Teen on Carnival Cruise; Stepbrother Under Suspicion

MIAMI, FL – The FBI is investigating the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 8th. The ship had departed Miami on November 2nd for a six-day Caribbean cruise.

According to court documents filed in Brevard County, FL, by Kepner’s stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, Kepner was vacationing with her father, stepmother, and two stepsiblings at the time of her death. The filing alleges that Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother, identified as “T.H.,” is a suspect in the death.

The legal filing stems from an ongoing custody dispute between Hudson and her ex-husband, Thomas Hudson. The documents also reveal that the 16-year-old is currently staying with a relative of Shauntel Hudson, his parents have retained an attorney for him, and the 9-year-old step-sibling is in counseling.

Because the death occurred in international waters, the FBI is leading the investigation. Carnival Cruise Line has stated they are fully cooperating with the FBI.

“The FBI has advised that there is no related threat to safety aboard as it sails its current voyage,” Carnival said in a statement. “Our focus remains on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI.”

The FBI confirmed they are investigating but provided no further details. The Carnival Horizon returned to port in Miami as planned on November 8th.

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