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Family Says FBI Told Them Asphyxiation Caused Teen’s Cruise Ship Death

Investigators continue reviewing surveillance with autopsy findings still unreleased.

Overview

  • Anna Kepner, 18, was found Nov. 7 under a bed in her Carnival Horizon cabin, wrapped in a blanket with life vests, and the medical examiner recorded her time of death as 11:17 a.m.
  • Her grandmother says the FBI informed the family the cause of death was asphyxiation, but officials have not released the autopsy or toxicology results.
  • A 16-year-old stepbrother who shared the stateroom is a suspect and could face charges, according to media reports and a family-court filing, and no arrests have been announced.
  • Previous reports cite two neck bruises consistent with asphyxiation and note no indications of sexual assault or drugs, pending confirmation by final reports.
  • The FBI’s active maritime probe includes reviewing ship surveillance, key-card access and cellphone data, and Carnival says it is cooperating.