The FBI is probing the mysterious death of a Florida teenager aboard a Caribbean-bound cruise ship over the weekend as her family, teachers and classmates paid emotional tributes to her.
Straight-A student Anna Kepner, 18, was aboard the Carnival Horizon ship traveling from Miami to the Caribbean when she died Saturday, as the exact circumstances surrounding her death remain unknown.
The Independent has contacted the FBI for further information.
Her family said she had her whole life ahead of her and her future was bright.
The “bubbly” teenager from Titusville had recently completed the entry tests for the military and had chosen her career path, hoping to “help her community,” her devastated family told ABC News.
“She was a people person,” her family told the outlet. “She loved being around people. She had that type of energy that just drew you in with her smile and the way she carried herself. She was such an easy person to talk to.”
They described Kepner as a “people person” and “the best child you ever could meet.”
“When she walked into a room, she would light it up,” they said. “If you were sad, she’d make you laugh. She would joke around and be the funniest little person in school.”
Kepner “lived her 18 years to the fullest,” which has brought comfort to her grieving family, ABC reports. She began gymnastics at the age of two and went on to join her high school’s varsity cheerleading team.
A teacher from Temple Christian School shared a heartfelt tribute to Kepner on Facebook, remembering how she “brought warmth and energy into the classroom.”
“Your curiosity, your gentle spirit, and the way you cared for those around you made a lasting impression on me and on everyone who knew you,” the teacher, named Mr Brunner, wrote. “I will miss you poking your head in my office to say hello and that turning into a fun 15 minute conversation.”
“Losing you is heartbreaking, yet I remain grateful for the time I had with you and the privilege of you becoming part of our TCS family,” the teacher added.
Others remembered Anna as a “beautiful angel” and a “beautiful soul” in social media tributes.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed Kepner’s death in a statement Saturday.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the statement said.
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