Anna Kepner
Cruise Ship Death Ruled Homicide
Published November 24, 2025 1:34 PM PST
Anna Kepner was murdered on a Carnival Cruise ship … at least that’s the conclusion reached on her death certificate.
The document, obtained by ABC News, says Anna died as a result of “mechanical asphyxia” on November 6, and it notes the 18-year-old “was mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s).”
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As you know … FBI agents found two bruises on the side of Anna’s neck, and she was thought to have died from a “bar hold” — an arm placed across the neck.
Preliminary information indicates there were no drugs or alcohol in Anna’s system and no signs of sexual assault … but autopsy and toxicology results have yet to be released.
Anna was reportedly found by a cabin steward on November 8 — wrapped in a blanket and tucked under a bed — during a Caribbean cruise she was on with her father, Christopher Kepner, her stepmom Shauntel Hudson, and Hudson’s kids.
It’s pretty unsettling … a recent report claimed Anna’s stepbrother allegedly had a weird infatuation with the teen cheerleader … allegedly climbing on top of her in bed once, according to Steven Westin, the father of Anna’s ex-boyfriend.
Anna’s grandparents sat down on camera for a new interview where they claimed Anna and her 16-year-old stepbrother were “two peas in a pod.” They said authorities told them the stepbrother is considered a suspect in the case, but they have faith in his innocence.
So far … there have been no arrests and no criminal charges have been filed.
