What was meant to be a peaceful family vacation aboard a cruise ship has turned into a troubling mystery — and a new court filing now suggests that the tragedy may involve someone within the victim’s own family. The death of 18-year-old Florida cheerleader Anna Kepner had already left many shocked, but newly released legal documents indicate a possible criminal investigation involving one of the stepmother’s minor children. What began as a deeply painful loss has now raised difficult questions, adding another layer of heartbreak for everyone connected to Anna.
Authorities have released limited official information, but recent reports describe how Anna’s body was found on November 7, 2025, hidden under a bed in her cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon as it headed toward Miami. The following day, an emergency motion filed in Brevard County Court by her stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, stated that the FBI is now investigating one of her underage children who was present on the cruise. Filed in the midst of ongoing divorce proceedings, the motion requested additional time to respond due to what it called an “extremely sensitive and severe circumstance” tied directly to the federal investigation. According to the filing, federal agents informed her that a criminal case could potentially be opened involving one of the minors — an unsettling development for an already strained family.
While Anna’s relatives mourn her loss, federal investigators continue working to determine what happened in the hours before she was found. They are reviewing shipboard CCTV footage, examining key-card entry logs to track movement around Anna’s cabin, and conducting interviews with passengers and crew. Her cellphone has been taken for forensic review, and Carnival Cruise Line has confirmed full cooperation with investigators. Anna’s father, Chris Kepner, has described the lack of updates from officials as incredibly difficult. He and other family members — including Anna’s stepmother, step-siblings, and younger relatives — were questioned and later removed from the ship. Since then, they have received no further information, leaving them waiting for answers.
As speculation circulates online, those who knew Anna are focusing on honoring her memory. Her family describes her as a dedicated student with a bright personality, a committed cheerleader, and a young woman preparing to serve her community through military enlistment. She loved spending time near the water, cared deeply for her friends, and brought warmth and positivity to those around her. Affectionately known as “Anna Banana,” she leaves behind a legacy of kindness, ambition, and joy. As investigators continue their work privately and the family steps back from public attention, one question remains: what happened aboard the Carnival Horizon — and will the truth ultimately lead to accountability?
