Anna Kepner, a teen who was discovered useless on a Carnival Horizon cruise ship this month, died by asphyxiation ensuing from a bar maintain — an arm throughout the neck — a supply briefed on the investigation informed ABC Information on Friday.
Investigators additionally discovered two bruises on the facet of her neck, the supply mentioned.
The FBI has continued to say no to remark, citing the continued investigation. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Workplace declined to remark Friday.
The household of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who was reported useless whereas aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Saturday, says they’ll bear in mind her as a cheerful, bubbly, straight-A pupil with a shiny future forward.
Kepner household
In response to the supply, the preliminary info signifies there have been no indicators of sexual assault and there didn’t seem like medication or alcohol in Kepner’s system. Post-mortem and toxicology studies that might verify these particulars haven’t been accomplished.
The 18-year-old cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was reported useless whereas aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on Nov. 8.
Kepner was discovered useless below a mattress, wrapped in a blanket and lined by life vests, in keeping with a safety supply briefed on the investigation.
A courtroom submitting in an unrelated household courtroom matter famous Kepner’s stepsibling may face costs.
The submitting mentioned the FBI is conducting an investigation “arising out of the sudden loss of life of 18 yr outdated Anna Kepner.”
Shauntel Hudson — Kepner’s stepmother, who was additionally on the cruise alongside along with her youngsters and Kepner’s father — requested a delay in her custody listening to as a result of one among her minor youngsters could face legal costs, in keeping with the submitting.