With the world watching, those who knew Anna Kepner will gather at the Grove Church in Titusville Nov. 20 to pay final tribute to the 18-year-old whose death aboard a Carnival Cruise ship has grown into a mystery beset by reports of the possible involvement of a stepsibling.
The Temple Christian School senior’s death has drawn global attention and prompted heavy speculation on social media — including from family members — as the FBI continues its ongoing investigation into what happened in the moments that led to the teen’s death during what was supposed to be a family cruise.
The Miami-Dade medical examiner has not determined whether foul play or natural causes were at play in the death, officials said Thursday, Nov. 20. The FBI has not commented.
When and where is Anna Kepner’s celebration of life?
Family members, friends and classmates were expected to turn out at 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 20, for the semi-private celebration of life service for Kepner at the Grove Church — whose slogan is “No Perfect People” — at its site at 1450 Harrison St. in Titusville.
The service, with those attending asked to dress in casual clothes instead of the traditional black, comes as issues within the family are aired daily, spelled out in court filings.
Who is leading the investigation into Anna Kepner’s death?
Kepner, 18, was found dead about 11:17 a.m. Nov. 7, aboard the Port Miami-based Carnival Cruise ship Horizon as it was out at sea. The teen, who planned on joining the military after graduation next May, had been on a cruise with family members.
The Horizon returned to port on Nov. 8, with authorities removing Kepner’s body from the ship, which carried at least 4,000 passengers.
The FBI, which has maritime authority to investigate potential crimes on the high seas, has not filed any charges in the case. Kepner’s stepmother Shauntel Kepner, however, said in court filings this week that she has been warned that her 16-year-old son’s possible involvement is being investigated and that charges could be pending. The court filing was part of an ongoing custody battle between Shauntel Kepner, formerly Shauntel Hudson, and her previous husband, whom she divorced in 2023.
J.D. Gallop is a Criminal Justice/Breaking News Reporter at FLORIDA TODAY. Contact Gallop at 321-917-4641 or jgallop@floridatoday.com. X: @JDGallop.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Under scrutiny, family plans final tribute for Anna Kepner, Florida teen who died on cruise
Reporting by J.D. Gallop, Florida Today / Florida Today
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