18-Year-Old Passenger Dies Aboard Carnival Cruise Ship — FBI Launches Investigation

Authorities have identified the passenger who died aboard the Carnival Horizon as 18-year-old Anna Kepner, a high school senior from Titusville, Florida, according to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office.

Kepner was found dead on Friday morning while the cruise ship was still at sea. The vessel returned to PortMiami as scheduled on Saturday, where the FBI took over the investigation, as federal authorities have jurisdiction over deaths occurring in international waters.

Carnival Cruise Line released a statement confirming the incident and expressing condolences to the young woman’s family.

“The death of a guest traveling on the Carnival Horizon voyage that returned to PortMiami on Saturday morning, Nov. 8, is being investigated by the FBI. Since this is an ongoing matter under the jurisdiction of law enforcement, it is up to the FBI’s Miami public affairs office to provide further details. Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest,” Carnival stated.

The cause of death has not yet been released, and officials have not indicated whether foul play is suspected.

Cruise Ship Deaths and Federal Jurisdiction

Under U.S. law, when a death occurs aboard a cruise ship in international waters, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Coast Guard have investigative authority. The Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA) and maritime wrongful death laws can also come into play, depending on the circumstances.

The FBI typically investigates cruise ship deaths involving:

• Suspicious or unexplained circumstances
• Potential foul play
• Accidents or negligence involving ship personnel
• Alcohol- or drug-related incidents
• Failures in onboard medical response

In most cases, the cruise line is required to immediately notify both the Coast Guard and FBI when a serious injury or fatality occurs on board. Investigators then coordinate with the medical examiner’s office once the ship returns to port.

Understanding Passenger Rights After a Cruise Ship Death

Cruise lines like Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Norwegian have a legal duty to ensure passenger safety and provide timely medical care during emergencies. When a death occurs at sea, the family may be entitled to compensation if negligence or inadequate safety protocols played a role.

Potential causes of cruise ship deaths include:

• Failure to provide prompt medical assistance
• Unsafe conditions on board (e.g., slippery decks, poor lighting, or lack of railings)
• Violent altercations or criminal acts
• Alcohol overservice by crew members
• Mechanical or operational failures during excursions or activities

Under maritime law, victims’ families may pursue claims for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Pain and suffering before death
• Loss of companionship and support
• Emotional anguish

However, these cases are complex, often involving international treaties, maritime jurisdiction, and cruise contract provisions limiting where lawsuits can be filed.

For Carnival passengers, legal claims are typically governed by the terms printed on the ticket, which require most lawsuits to be filed in Miami federal court — regardless of where the passenger resides or where the ship was sailing.

The Role of the Death on the High Seas Act (DOHSA)

Because Anna Kepner’s death occurred at sea, the Death on the High Seas Act (46 U.S.C. § 30301) may apply. DOHSA allows families of individuals who die due to wrongful acts, negligence, or omissions occurring beyond three nautical miles from U.S. shores to seek damages.

Key points about DOHSA include:

• It applies to both U.S. and foreign nationals.
• It limits recovery primarily to pecuniary (financial) losses, not emotional damages.
• It requires proof that the death was caused by wrongful conduct or negligence.

While DOHSA is often criticized for restricting emotional recovery, a skilled maritime attorney can explore alternative legal routes — such as general maritime law or foreign jurisdiction claims — to pursue full compensation.

Cruise Lines’ Duty of Care to Passengers

Carnival and other major cruise companies owe their passengers a duty of reasonable care under maritime law. This includes:

• Maintaining safe facilities and common areas
• Properly training and supervising crew
• Ensuring adequate medical staffing and equipment
• Monitoring security and criminal activity
• Responding appropriately to passenger distress

When cruise operators fail to uphold these standards, they may be held liable for injuries or deaths that occur on board.

For families like Kepner’s, obtaining answers and accountability can take time, as maritime investigations are notoriously complex and often span multiple jurisdictions.

Legal Options for Families After a Cruise Ship Fatality

If a loved one dies aboard a cruise ship, families should take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Request official records — including the medical examiner’s report, autopsy findings, and ship incident report.
2. Preserve evidence — photos, messages, witness names, and any onboard communications.
3. Avoid signing any settlement offers or accepting cruise line compensation before consulting an attorney.
4. Contact a maritime attorney with experience in cruise ship wrongful death claims.

An experienced cruise ship injury lawyer can investigate whether the cruise line’s actions, medical response, or safety procedures contributed to the death — and pursue justice under U.S. maritime and international law.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Cruise Ship Accident Victims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent passengers and families who have suffered devastating losses aboard cruise ships departing from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and Port Canaveral.

Our attorneys have handled cases involving:

• Cruise ship deaths and disappearances
• Medical negligence on board
• Assaults and security failures
• Excursion-related fatalities
• Wrongful death under maritime law

We understand the emotional and legal challenges families face after a loss at sea and fight to ensure cruise lines are held accountable for negligence or misconduct.

We offer free consultations and handle all cruise ship death cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.

Contact a Florida Cruise Ship Wrongful Death Attorney

If you lost a loved one aboard a Carnival Cruise Line or any other cruise ship, contact the maritime wrongful death attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm.

We help families throughout Florida and nationwide pursue justice under federal and international maritime law.

📞 Call (305) 638-4143 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation.