The death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon earlier this month has drawn widespread attention and intense speculation online. Authorities have not announced any criminal charges, and the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner’s office says a final autopsy report determining the cause and manner of death is still pending.
Interest in the case escalated after a court filing in an unrelated divorce proceeding said the FBI is investigating Kepner’s death and indicated that a minor child may be implicated. The filing was submitted in the dissolution of marriage case between Thomas Hudson and Shauntel Hudson; Shauntel Hudson described Kepner’s father as her “paramour.” Kepner had been traveling on the ship with Shauntel Hudson and her minor children.
The emergency motion filed by Hudson’s attorney sought a postponement of a scheduled hearing, citing “the sudden death” of Kepner. The filing stated that Hudson “has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children.” Hudson’s attorney also argued she should not be compelled to testify because that testimony could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in any pending criminal investigation.
An FBI spokesperson declined to comment on operational details, noting the agency does not provide updates while investigations are ongoing. If charges are filed, an FBI spokesperson said they would come from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Florida.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami on November 8 as scheduled and said the ship is cooperating with the FBI’s Miami office. The Carnival Horizon carries nearly 4,000 passengers and sails to destinations in the Caribbean.
A memorial service for Kepner is scheduled for Thursday. Her family has asked attendees to wear colorful clothing rather than traditional black “in honor of Anna’s bright and beautiful soul.” Kepner’s obituary describes her as someone who loved time on the water and notes she planned to graduate next year from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida.
The investigation remains active and officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while authorities await the medical examiner’s final autopsy and any potential charging decisions.
