The death of a high school cheerleader aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month has attracted widespread attention and fueled speculation across social media platforms.
Authorities have yet to file any criminal charges in connection with the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, as they await the final autopsy report from the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s office to determine the cause and manner of death.
Public interest in Kepner’s death on the Carnival Horizon surged after a court document in an unrelated case revealed that the FBI is conducting an investigation and that a minor may be involved.
The court documents emerged in a divorce case involving Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Hudson, who referred to Kepner’s father as her “paramour.” Kepner was on the cruise with Shauntel Hudson and her minor children.
While the FBI declined to provide updates, saying, “the agency does not provide operational updates about ongoing investigations,” Shauntel Hudson’s attorney filed an emergency motion to postpone a hearing, citing Kepner’s unexpected death.
The filing indicated that Hudson was informed through her discussions with the FBI and her lawyers that “a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children.”
Hudson’s legal representative emphasized that any testimony Hudson might provide could “be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation.”
Efforts to reach Hudson and her attorney for comments via email and phone on Wednesday were unsuccessful. Moreover, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida, which would handle any charges, did not respond to inquiries.
A memorial service for Kepner is set for Thursday, with her family encouraging attendees to wear vibrant attire in remembrance of “Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.”
According to her obituary, Kepner, who enjoyed spending time on the water, was scheduled to graduate next year from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, located 40 miles east of Orlando on Florida’s Space Coast.
The Carnival Horizon, capable of accommodating nearly 4,000 guests, sails to the Caribbean, and Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the ship returned to PortMiami on Nov. 8 as planned. The vessel is cooperating with the FBI Miami office in the investigation.
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Associated Press writer Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida contributed reporting. Kate Payne is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.
