Brevard County, Florida, court proceedings in an unrelated custody dispute have brought additional details to light regarding the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard a Carnival cruise ship in November 2025. Filings obtained from the case between Shauntel Kepner (formerly Hudson) and her ex-husband Thomas Hudson indicate that Shauntel delayed informing Hudson about Anna’s passing for approximately 32 hours, during which time she referenced concerns that assisting their shared son could impact her current marriage.

Anna Kepner, a high school senior and cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was found deceased in her cabin on the Carnival Horizon on November 7, 2025, during a family vacation in the Caribbean. The ship had departed from Miami, and the incident occurred in international waters, placing the matter under federal jurisdiction with the FBI leading the probe.

A death certificate issued by authorities and shared with media outlets listed the cause as mechanical asphyxia, specifying that Anna was “asphyxiated by other person(s),” ruling the manner homicide. Her body was discovered under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests, by a cabin steward.

The blended family on the trip included Anna’s father Christopher Kepner, stepmother Shauntel Kepner, paternal grandparents Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner, and several siblings and stepsiblings occupying multiple cabins. Anna shared a room with two teenage boys, including her 16-year-old stepbrother—Shauntel and Thomas Hudson’s son—who has emerged as the focus of investigative attention.

Court records from the Hudsons’ custody battle over their younger child reference the 16-year-old as a suspect in Anna’s death. Shauntel reportedly testified that, following the incident, she and Christopher Kepner arranged for the teenager to stay with relatives to ensure safety for other children in the home. The boy was briefly hospitalized for evaluation and is receiving counseling at an undisclosed location.

In messages submitted as evidence, Shauntel contacted Thomas Hudson at approximately 7:30 p.m. on November 8—over a day after Anna’s body was found—with an “emergency” subject line urging an immediate call. Hudson later referenced a prior conversation in filings, stating he remained silent after Shauntel indicated she “can’t jeopardize [her] marriage for helping [their] son.”

No criminal charges have been filed to date, and the FBI has not publicly identified any suspects or provided updates on the investigation’s status. Toxicology and psychiatric evaluations are reportedly pending, contributing to the timeline.

The Kepner family has described Anna as a vibrant, straight-A student with dreams of college cheerleading, remembered fondly for her outgoing personality. Grandparents Jeffrey and Barbara Kepner shared in interviews that the stepsiblings enjoyed close relationships, viewing each other as full siblings without distinctions.

The cruise was intended as a new family tradition for the blended household. Christopher and Shauntel married recently, incorporating children from previous relationships.

Custody proceedings between Shauntel and Thomas Hudson predate the cruise incident but have intersected with references to the ongoing federal probe. A judge noted no immediate danger to the youngest child remaining with Shauntel, denying emergency transfer requests.

Investigators have reviewed ship surveillance, which reportedly showed the stepbrother as the only individual entering and exiting the shared cabin during relevant periods. Family members noted his distressed state afterward.

The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting challenges in blended families and the complexities of investigations in international waters. Carnival Cruise Line cooperated fully, and the ship continued its itinerary after authorities boarded.

As December 2025 progresses, the Kepner and Hudson families navigate grief and legal matters privately, with public statements limited.

The FBI continues its work diligently, coordinating with medical examiners and international partners as needed.

Anna’s community in Titusville held memorials celebrating her life, emphasizing her positive impact.

Developments in the custody case may provide further context as proceedings advance, though gag orders and seals have been requested to protect sensitive information.

No arrests or formal accusations have occurred, underscoring the presumption of innocence amid speculation.

The tragedy serves as a reminder of life’s unpredictability, affecting multiple generations.

Support resources remain available for those impacted.

Investigation integrity prioritized throughout.