FBI investigating death of 18-year-old woman aboard Carnival Cruise after ship docks at PortMiami, officials say
A federal investigation is underway after an 18-year-old woman on a Carnival Cruise ship was reported dead on Saturday, officials said.
According to the FBI, the woman, identified by relatives as Anna Kepner, of Titusville, Florida, died while traveling on the Carnival Horizon, a cruise ship that departed Miami for a Caribbean voyage. The ship docked back in Miami on Nov. 8, where federal investigators boarded to begin their inquiry.
Agents from the FBI's Miami Field Office were seen boarding the vessel Saturday as part of the investigation. So far, authorities have not released details about how or where aboard the ship Kepner died, and the cause of death remains unclear.
It's also not immediately known what prompted the FBI's involvement, though legal experts said the agency typically investigates cases that occur in international waters or under federal maritime jurisdiction.
South Florida accident and injury attorney Nick Gerson, who handles maritime cases, told CBS News Miami that FBI participation at this early stage could indicate concerns about possible wrongdoing.
"The mere fact that the FBI has already been involved certainly suggests there's some basis to suspect wrongdoing or that a crime may have been committed," Gerson said.
He explained that cruise lines are not required to disclose many details publicly and that families often must seek information through the courts.
"If you're injured on a cruise ship or a death occurs, you can't go to the police station and get a report," Gerson added. "You actually have to file suit in federal court to compel disclosure."
Gerson also referenced a federal statute dating back to the 1920s — the Death on the High Seas Act — which limits economic damages families can claim when a death occurs in international waters.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed in a statement to CBS News Miami that it was working with the Miami office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the agency's investigation of the death of a guest traveling on the Carnival Horizon ship, which docked at PortMiami on Saturday morning as scheduled.
"Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI," Carnival Cruise Line said.
The company offered no additional details about the incident. Whether Carnival bears any civil liability remains to be seen pending the investigation.
Kepner's family, classmates share memories
Kepner's family in Titusville described her as outgoing, kind, and determined to serve her country. They said she had recently completed tests to enter the military and was set to graduate next spring from Temple Christian School, where classmates and teachers remembered her as a "people person" who was "easy to talk to."
On Monday, classmates decorated her car in the school parking lot with flowers and notes, while messages of support and condolences continued to pour in on social media.
The FBI has not released new information about the investigation or whether foul play is suspected. Officials say updates will be provided when appropriate.
The Carnival Horizon resumed operations following the ship's return to Miami.
CBS News Miami has reached out to the FBI for comment, but has not yet received a response.