Father of Anna Kepner, Florida Teen Who Passed Away on a Cruise, Speaks Out

The warm breeze of a family vacation turned into an unimaginable nightmare for Anna Kepner, an 18-year-old high school student from Titusville, Florida.

What was meant to be a relaxing getaway aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship quickly became a tragic story that has captivated many. Anna, who was traveling with her family, tragically passed away during the trip while it was en route from Cozumel to PortMiami.

As news spread across the ship, her family was thrust into an unimaginable situation. In the days following her passing, her father, Christopher Kepner, has bravely spoken out, sharing the heartbreak of the loss while also struggling with the silence surrounding the details of her sudden death.

A Family’s Heartbreak: The Unexpected Loss

The Carnival Horizon returned to PortMiami on the morning of November 7, 2025, following Anna’s passing, and the shocking news reached not only the passengers aboard but also the family and friends back home. Christopher Kepner, Anna’s father, reflected on how quickly their family’s dream vacation turned into a nightmare.

In an interview with the Daily Mail, he described the situation as “difficult beyond words,” expressing how the grief of losing his daughter was compounded by the uncertainty surrounding her death.

Christopher, still in a state of disbelief, explained how authorities spoke to the family during the standard investigative process. He shared how the family was asked to leave the ship for further questioning as part of routine protocol. Since then, Christopher has been waiting for answers, having not yet received a complete update on the circumstances surrounding his daughter’s death.

As authorities continue to investigate, the FBI has taken control of the case, given that the cruise ship was traveling between Cozumel and Miami at the time of the incident. The official time of death for Anna was 11:17 a.m., though, as of yet, no further details have been released regarding the specific cause of her passing.

Anna’s Family Remembers a Bright, Enthusiastic Teen

Anna’s sudden death left her family devastated. In an emotional tribute posted on Facebook, Anna’s mother, Shauntel Kepner, shared her grief, calling it “unimaginable” to have lost their daughter in such a tragic way. Her words painted a picture of Anna as a bright, kindhearted teen with a warm personality and a love for life.

Describing Anna as “funny, positive, and always finding ways to lift others’ spirits,” Shauntel emphasized how her daughter was much more than a student — she was someone who cared deeply for her family, friends, and community.

Anna had a passion for life and had recently made steps toward her future, planning a career in public service. Her loved ones highlighted her dedication to school, her commitment to helping others, and the way she lit up any room she entered. Anna was known to many as “Anna Banana,” a nickname that reflected her playful nature, her laughter, and her unique charm.

She was more than just a cheerleader, a student, and a volunteer — she was a person who brought joy to everyone she met.

Beyond her academics and her extracurricular activities, Anna was involved in her community, volunteering her time and energy to help those around her. She had a passion for the outdoors, and her hobbies included cheerleading, gymnastics, and spending time with her family.

She held a boater’s license and earned her scuba certification, enjoying adventures that took her far beyond the classroom. Her family described Anna as someone who “would do anything to help a friend in need” — a true friend, sister, and daughter who will be deeply missed.

The Investigation and Unanswered Questions

As the investigation continues, Anna’s family has faced a mixture of grief and confusion. While they have cooperated fully with authorities, there is still a lack of clarity surrounding the details of Anna’s death.

Christopher has spoken about how difficult it has been to find any concrete answers, explaining that while they have been in contact with authorities, there have been few updates regarding the cause of her death.

The FBI is overseeing the investigation due to the nature of the incident, as the cruise ship was traveling internationally. Investigators are working to understand the circumstances leading up to Anna’s passing, but for now, the family remains in limbo, holding onto their memories of Anna while waiting for more information to be revealed.

The lack of details has left them feeling isolated and anxious, as they seek to understand what happened to their beloved daughter.

Christopher spoke about the constant emotional toll of waiting for answers, saying, “We just want to know what happened. I can’t stop thinking about her and wondering why this happened to her.” Despite the uncertainty, the family continues to lean on each other for support, finding comfort in the love they share for Anna and the precious memories they created together.

Remembering Anna: A Legacy of Kindness and Determination

While the family continues to grieve, Anna’s memory lives on through the stories shared by her loved ones. Her family, friends, and classmates have all spoken out, describing Anna as a remarkable young woman with a passion for making a difference in the world.

Her teachers and peers have remembered her as a dedicated student who always aimed for excellence, and as someone who was never afraid to help others, even when it wasn’t easy.

In a statement to ABC News, Anna’s family shared that she had always been “full of enthusiasm for school, life, and her community.” They explained that her positivity was contagious, and she had the ability to make people feel seen and valued, no matter what.

Whether it was through volunteering, helping a friend, or simply brightening someone’s day with a smile, Anna’s kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she met.

Her parents, Shauntel and Christopher, have emphasized how important it is for Anna to be remembered for the love and light she brought to the world. They believe that while her passing was tragic, the impact she had on others’ lives should not be overshadowed by the circumstances of her death. “She was a gift to all of us,” Shauntel said, “and we will hold onto that gift forever.”

A Family in Mourning and Waiting for Answers

As the family steps back from social media amid the growing online speculation and media coverage, they are finding solace in each other and in their memories of Anna. They continue to hope for clarity from the investigation but remain focused on honoring Anna’s life and legacy. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate the grief of losing a loved one and await further updates.

The passing of Anna Kepner is a heartbreaking tragedy that has touched the hearts of many, from her family and friends to the larger community. Anna’s story is one of hope, dedication, and love — a young woman with a bright future ahead, taken too soon. As the family continues to mourn, they hold onto the joy Anna brought to their lives and the lessons she taught them about kindness, generosity, and the importance of living fully.