Anna Kepner: Florida cheerleader’s devastating cruise ship death ruled a homicide
The death of a young Florida cheerleader on a cruise ship has officially been ruled a homicide.
Anna Kepner was travelling from Miami to the Caribbean onboard the Carnival Horizon ship when she was found dead by a staff member.
The 18-year-old’s body was discovered under a bed in a cabin on November 7, the morning after she was last seen alive.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Her death certificate, obtained by ABC, states she was strangled on November 6.
In a horrible twist, Kepner’s 16-year-old stepbrother has been named as a suspect by the FBI.
Earlier this week, Kepner’s grandmother Barbara told Good Morning America the family was stunned by the allegations.
“They were like brother and sister. He was a good student,” she said. “He played soccer and was a very quiet young man.”
Kepner’s family described her as a straight-A student, enthusiastic about joining the military, and known for her bright personality and love for life.
“When she walked into a room, she would light it up. If you were sad, she’d make you laugh. She would joke around and be the funniest little person in school,” her family told ABC News.
They said she loved helping her community and was a competitive cheerleader and gymnast, and had recently earned her boaters license with a scuba-certification.
Carnival Cruise Line released a statement earlier this month, saying its “focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI”.
The 18-year-old student was expected to graduate in May, and her community said they hope she will be remembered for her optimism, kindness and relentless energy
The formal autopsy and toxicology report have not been released yet.
