Federal investigators continue to examine the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner, who died earlier this month while traveling on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship.
Authorities said the teen from Titusville, Florida, was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered by life vests, according to a security source briefed on the case.
Kepner died aboard the ship on November 8. The Miami-Dade medical examiner has not identified a cause or manner of death. Investigators have focused on several possible explanations as they work through evidence from the scene.
A security source said that investigators are reviewing whether an altercation with Kepner’s stepbrother occurred before her death. The source said investigators have not ruled out a medical emergency or a potential overdose. Agents are studying ship security records, including camera footage and access-card activity, to understand movements around the time she died.
Documents filed in an unrelated family court case referenced the ongoing criminal investigation. The filing said the FBI is conducting an investigation “arising out of the sudden death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner,” according to ABC News.
Shauntel Hudson, Kepner’s stepmother, traveled on the cruise with her children and Kepner’s father. She requested a delay in her custody hearing because one of her minor children could face charges linked to the case, according to the filing.
“The Respondent has been advised through discussions with FBI investigators and her attorneys, that a criminal case may be initiated against one of the minor children of this instant action,” the filing stated, per ABC. “Any testimony the Respondent may give, either written or oral, could be prejudicial to her or her adolescent child in this pending criminal investigation, therefore the Respondent cannot be compelled to testify.”
The FBI has declined to comment on the investigation.
Carnival Cruise Line released a statement after Kepner’s death.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the company said, ABC reported.