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Mother Says She Only Learned Her Teen Daughter Died on a Carnival Cruise After Googling the News

Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead aboard a Caribbean Carnival cruise on Nov. 8 after she told family she felt unwell and went to bed. Her mother, Heather Wright, says she learned of the death by Googling because she was not notified. Sources familiar with the investigation say investigators preliminarily cite asphyxiation from a "bar hold," but officials have not confirmed the cause or named a person of interest. A court filing by the stepmother says a teenage step-sibling may face charges; the connection to the death is unclear.

07:27 AM, 11/22/2025Society
Mother Says She Only Learned Her Teen Daughter Died on a Carnival Cruise After Googling the News

Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Titusville, Florida, was found dead aboard a Caribbean Carnival cruise on Nov. 8 after telling family she felt unwell and went to bed the day before, according to family members and people close to the case.

How the mother found out

Anna's biological mother, Heather Wright of Oklahoma, says she was not notified by relatives or investigators and first learned of her daughter's death by searching online. Wright said she had not seen Anna in several years and remembered her daughter's love of swimming and the outdoors.

"I ended up Googling it, because the only information I had was that my daughter was on a cruise," Wright said.

Investigation details

Officials have released few details publicly. Sources familiar with the inquiry say investigators preliminarily ruled the cause of death as asphyxiation and described an apparent "bar hold" — an arm held across the neck — though authorities have not officially confirmed that finding. No person of interest has been publicly named.

In a separate court filing unrelated to the shipboard death, Anna's stepmother said a teenage step-sibling could face criminal charges. The filing did not specify whether the potential charges are tied to Anna's death or whether charges have been filed.

Family reaction and remembrance

Friends and family have been shaken by Anna's sudden death. An online obituary posted soon after described her as a devoted sister who cared for her siblings and enjoyed making TikTok videos. The tribute remembered her love of sun, water and time on boats and beaches, and said she "lived every day with her whole heart."

What remains unknown

Authorities are continuing their investigation and have been largely tight-lipped. Many key details, including any official determination of cause and whether charges will be filed, remain unconfirmed pending the completion of investigative work and any potential legal proceedings.

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