MIAMI, FL — Federal authorities have disclosed new details surrounding the tragic death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a cheerleader from Florida, whose body was discovered on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month. The circumstances surrounding her passing have raised many questions, with early assessments indicating that she may have died as a result of asphyxiation linked to a chokehold known as a “bar hold.”
What Happened: A Mysterious Death Onboard the Carnival Horizon
Anna Kepner was discovered lifeless in her cabin on November 8, 2025, after a cabin steward found her body partially concealed under a bed and covered with a blanket, with life jackets placed over her form. She had been on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her father, Christopher Kepner, her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, and other relatives.
The 18-year-old had returned to her cabin on November 6 after dinner, reporting that she felt ill. Surveillance footage later confirmed that Anna did not leave the cabin after that point. Her sudden disappearance from the ship’s scheduled activities led to a welfare check, which ultimately revealed her tragic death. Authorities are focusing their investigation on the events inside the cabin, where Anna spent her final moments.
Cause of Death: Strangulation Linked to Chokehold
Preliminary reports from federal authorities suggest that Anna’s cause of death was asphyxiation due to a “bar hold” — a chokehold that involves pressure being applied to the neck by an individual’s arm. Two separate bruises observed on Anna’s neck are consistent with this type of injury. However, authorities have not ruled out other possibilities as the investigation is still ongoing. Toxicology reports have shown no signs of drugs, alcohol, or sexual assault.
The final autopsy report from the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner is still awaited to provide more conclusive evidence.
A Troubling Family Dynamic and Allegations
As investigators work to piece together the events leading up to Anna’s death, several troubling allegations have emerged. Anna’s ex-boyfriend, Joshua Tew, claimed that Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, Timothy Hudson, exhibited “obsessive and inappropriate” behavior toward her. Tew stated that he saw Hudson enter Anna’s room during a FaceTime call and allegedly position himself on top of her while she slept. Anna reportedly felt uneasy around her stepbrother, and there were suspicions that he often carried a knife.
However, these allegations have not been confirmed by law enforcement, and investigators have yet to publicly comment on them. Family conflicts have also surfaced, with Anna’s stepmother hinting at a possible criminal case involving one of the underage children, and relatives suggesting significant discord within the family.
Anna’s biological mother, Heather Wright, shared her heartbreak over learning of her daughter’s death online after being unable to reach any family members for details.
The Investigation: What We Know So Far
Following the discovery of Anna’s body, authorities pieced together a timeline of events. After returning to her cabin on November 6, Anna was briefly joined by her two brothers. One of them stepped out for a moment to take photographs, only to return and find that Anna was no longer in the room. The family soon reported her missing, and a welfare check led to the discovery of her remains.
Because the incident occurred in international waters, the FBI has taken charge of the investigation, as the Carnival Horizon is flagged by the United States. The FBI’s role in the investigation is critical to uncovering what happened during Anna’s final moments onboard the cruise ship.
The Community Mourns: A Bright Future Lost
As the investigation unfolds, Anna’s friends, fellow students, and community members are left grappling with the sudden loss of a young woman full of promise. Anna, known for her cheerleading and involvement in school and church activities, had a bright future ahead of her. Her death has left a deep void in the lives of those who knew her.
The grief and confusion surrounding Anna’s death have fueled a desire for answers. Family and friends continue to search for clarity and justice as they await further developments from the investigation.
This story may be updated with more information as it becomes available.
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