How did Anna Kepner, teen cheerleader, die? Cause of death revealed as her 16-year-old stepbrother becomes suspect amid FBI probe; here’s what you need to know

A massive development has surfaced in the death case of teenager Anna Kepner, who was found dead on a Carnival Horizon cruise ship in November 2025. The cause of death has been revealed. This comes as her death aboard the ship has reportedly drawn international attention.

The teenager died by asphyxiation resulting from a bar hold, an arm across the neck, a source briefed on the investigation told ABC News on Friday (November 21, 2025). The ABC News sources further revealed that investigators also found two bruises on the side of her neck.

The FBI, which is investigating the case, has remained tight-lipped, citing the ongoing investigation. The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office also declined to comment on Friday. The development comes after the 16-year-old stepbrother of the Florida high school senior who died on the cruise ship has been identified as a suspect in her death, according to court documents filed by his parents, as reported by news agency AP.


The documents show both parents acknowledging that their middle child—identified in court only by his initials "T.H."—is under FBI investigation in connection with the death of Anna Kepner, a high school cheerleader from Florida's Space Coast.

The ABC News source revealed that the preliminary information indicates there were no signs of sexual assault and there did not appear to be drugs or alcohol in Kepner's system. More clarification and details will come through autopsy and toxicology reports, which have not been completed.

The 18-year-old cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was reported dead while aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship on November 8, 2025. Kepner was found dead under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests, ABC News reported, citing a security source briefed on the investigation.

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