Kepner’s family shared the teen’s aspirations in an obit
THE dad of a straight A senior year student found dead on a cruise ship has revealed who investigators questioned after her body was removed from the vessel.
Anna Kepner, 18, died at sea while on board the $800 million Carnival Horizon vessel with her family.
The ship departed Miami on November 2 and toured the Caribbean.
Kepner’s body was removed from the ship on November 8 after the ship docked in Miami.
Her cause of death remains unknown, but Miami-Dade investigators confirmed her date of death was November 7.
The ship’s location was between Cozumel, Mexico, and Miami at the time.
Kepner’s dad, Christopher, 41, has spoken of his heartache and recalled the moments after the ship docked.
He told The Mail the family was quizzed by agents.
“We were there as a family. Everybody was questioned. Everybody came off that ship,” he said.
Crane operator Christopher claimed the FBI hasn’t shared anything with him following his daughter’s death.
“I would imagine they’re going to be in contact with me about it – but I know as little as everybody else,” he said.
“I have no idea what is going on right now. We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.”
Christopher said his family’s lives have been upended in light of the tragedy.
“Our lives have been turned upside down,” he said.
Christopher also revealed he doesn’t watch the television or use the internet anymore.
Investigators have been tight-lipped about Kepner’s death, which has contributed to the rise of conspiracy theories and sick rumors online.
On Wednesday, an FBI spokesperson said there were “no updates,” according to the CBS affiliate WKMG-TV.
MILITARY AMBITIONS
Kepner, of Titusville, Florida, was just months away from graduating high school.
She had ambitions of joining the US Navy and wanted to become a K9 cop, according to her obit.
Kepner was a diehard Georgia Bulldogs fan and had dreams of becoming a cheerleader for the team.
Her passion for gymnastics started when she was just two years old and she was a member of her high school’s varsity cheerleading team.
Kepner was an avid boater and got her boating license before she could drive.
“Anna’s adventurous spirit showed early,” her family said.
I have no idea what is going on right now.
Christopher Kepner, Anna Kepner’s dad
Her family paid a glowing tribute, revealing the teen lived “every day with her whole heart.”
“At just 18 years old, she filled the world with laughter, love, and light that reached everyone around her,” they said.
“Anna was pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself.
“She never had a filter, and that was part of her charm.
“Whether she was practicing new makeup looks (even if she had nowhere to go), making TikToks in front of the mirror, or blasting a perfectly curated playlist on the boat, Anna lived every day with her whole heart.
“She loved the sun, the water, boat days, island days, and beach days, anything that let her soak in the light she so easily radiated to others.”
Kepner had a “soft spot” for Shawn Mendes, but loved most types of music apart from heavy metal, her family said.
She also enjoyed volunteering in her local community.
She helped local businesses and volunteered in her grandparents community.
“She spent so much time giving to others,” Christopher said.
Kepner’s death comes more than two years after Kevin McGrath, 26, seemingly vanished on a Carnival cruise.
He is said to have disappeared during a trip on board the Carnival Conquest vessel.
McGrath never went overboard but cruise officials couldn’t find him.
The ship Kepner was found on departed Miami hours after her body was removed from the vessel.
It is currently touring the Netherlands Antilles, having visited Aruba and Bonaire.
The ship will dock in Curacao later today before returning to Miami on November 16.
