Carnival Horizon Tragedy: Teenage Stepbrother at Center of Investigation into 18-Year-Old's Mysterious Death
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A heart-wrenching tragedy has shaken a close-knit family after 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead on a Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Her grandparents, who consider her and her 16-year-old stepbrother to be like two peas in a pod, are now grappling with the devastating loss of both their grandchildren. According to investigators, Anna died from asphyxiation caused by a 'bar hold', with bruises on her neck lending weight to that possibility. The incident has left the family reeling, with Anna's stepmother, Shauntel Hudson, acknowledging in court documents that her 16-year-old son may be subject to a criminal investigation. The blended family was on a six-day Caribbean cruise to celebrate a new tradition, with Anna's father, stepmother, two full siblings, and three stepsiblings in tow. However, the celebration turned into a nightmare, with Anna's death leaving her family in shock. Anna's biological mother, Heather Kepner, spoke publicly about her grief, describing her daughter as 'always happy' and a bright aspiring Navy officer. The family is still coming to terms with the loss, and the emotional toll is evident. Law enforcement officials have questioned the stepbrother, who was temporarily hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation after the incident. The medical examiner's final results are pending, but the investigation is ongoing, with the FBI and Carnival Horizon cooperating. As the family struggles to cope with their loss, they are also dealing with the uncertainty surrounding the investigation. In a statement, Anna's grandfather, Jeffrey Kepner, said, 'It's all family – it's a blended family, yes, but that's not how our family is. Our dynamic is we're all just family.'
