Passenger who died on the Carnival cruise ship identified: she was 18 years old and a high school student
Anna Kepner, 18, died aboard the Carnival Horizon during a Caribbean cruise. Her family describes her as an exemplary student
The passenger who died aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship was identified as Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old from Titusville, Florida. Her family describes her as a cheerful, caring student with a bright future. Anna was traveling on the ship during a route from Miami to the Caribbean when she was found dead on Saturday. The circumstances of her death have not yet been revealed. The cruise ship returned that same day to PortMiami, where the FBI opened an investigation to determine the cause of death. “When she walked into a room, she lit it up,” her family told ABC News. “If you were sad, she made you laugh. She was the funniest girl in school.” “She had dreams and wanted to serve her community.” The young woman, who would have graduated from high school next May, had taken her army entrance exam and was already talking with recruiters. “She wanted to do something that would help her community,” her family said. “She had many dreams and a huge heart.” In a statement, Carnival Cruise Line confirmed her passing and said their priority is “to support our passenger’s family and cooperate with the FBI in the investigation.” Volunteer, athlete, and sea lover Anna was known in her community for her enthusiasm and involvement. She volunteered at the senior center for people over 55 where her grandparents live and helped out at local businesses in Titusville. From a young age, she practiced gymnastics, was on her high school cheerleading squad, and enjoyed water activities: she had a boating license and was a certified scuba diver. “She was very sociable and loved being around people. She had a contagious energy that drew you in with her smile,” her family recalled. Her loved ones noted that Anna had a very close bond with her grandmother, who affectionately called her “Anna Banana.” “She was the best girl anyone could ever know,” her family said.“We will always remember her for who she was, for her joy, and for how she made others happy.”

