Anna Kepner Cause of Death Revealed: Teen Strangled in Vicious Bar Hold on Cruise

An 18-year-old Florida cheerleader who died aboard the Carnival Horizon was allegedly strangled in a 'bar hold', according to a new report regarding the homicide investigation.

Sources state that Anna Kepner died from asphyxiation resulting from the vicious move, which involves an arm placed across the neck. The teenager's body was found concealed in her cabin during a Caribbean cruise, prompting an inquiry that is now being handled by federal agents in international waters.

Vicious 'Bar Hold' Identified As The Specific Cause Of Death

New information has shed light on the specific and gruesome nature of the violence inflicted upon the teenager. According to a report, Kepner was allegedly strangled to death using a 'bar hold', a move that involves placing an arm forcefully across the neck to cut off air or blood flow. This technique is often associated with combat sports, suggesting a level of intent and physical dominance that is particularly harrowing given the victim's youth.

The medical findings indicate that Kepner died from asphyxiation resulting from this vicious move. The examination of her body revealed telling signs of the struggle, specifically noting she 'had two bruises on the side of her throat'. These injuries point decisively towards a violent encounter rather than a sudden medical episode. The use of such a technique indicates that the assailant applied significant and sustained pressure, leaving the authorities with undeniable physical evidence of a deliberate killing.

Body Discovered Concealed Beneath Cabin Furniture

The discovery of Kepner's body was as disturbing as the cause of her death. She was not found simply resting in her room; rather, her killer appeared to have taken steps to hide the crime. Reports state that the teenager was found 'under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered in life vests', a detail sourced from those familiar with the investigation. The concealment suggests a frantic attempt by the perpetrator to buy time or evade immediate detection.

This grisly tableau was uncovered not by family members but by a ship employee. A maid entered the cabin around 11.00 am to perform routine cleaning duties when she stumbled upon the hidden remains. The Miami-Dade County medical examiner later listed Kepner's time of death as 11.17 am on 7 November, shortly after the maid's discovery prompted an emergency response aboard the massive vessel.

Timeline Of The Tragedy And A Family's Panic

The sequence of events leading to the discovery highlights the confusion and panic felt by her loved ones. Kepner had been on a six-day Caribbean cruise with her family when the trip took a dark turn. She had told her family at dinner the previous evening that she was not feeling well and decided to retire early to her room.

When the sun rose the next morning, she was absent from the family breakfast. Her disappearance sparked a frantic search across the ship, which can hold nearly 4,000 passengers. The sheer size of the vessel likely complicated the initial search efforts, adding to the family's distress as they combed through the multiple decks. Tragically, while her family searched public areas, Anna lay lifeless in her cabin. Following the discovery, the Carnival Horizon was forced to change its course and head directly to the Port of Miami, Florida.

Future Cut Short For 'Anna Banana'

The tragedy is compounded by the bright future that awaited the young woman, known affectionately to her family as 'Anna Banana'. Kepner was a dedicated gymnast and cheerleader who was set to graduate from Temple Christian School in Titusville this coming May. The abrupt end to such a promising life has left her community in Titusville reeling.

Beyond her school achievements, she had aspirations of serving her country. Her family shared that she had 'just finished her test to join the military', marking the beginning of a new chapter that will now never be written. Friends and neighbours are now grappling with the loss of a vibrant young woman whose ambitions were extinguished in a moment of senseless violence.

FBI Investigation Rules Out Assault And Intoxicants

Because the incident occurred in international waters, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has assumed jurisdiction over the case. As agents piece together the final moments of Kepner's life, early toxicology and physical examinations have ruled out several factors, narrowing the scope of the investigation.

An insider confirmed that there were 'no apparent signs of sexual assault', which helps profile the nature of the attack. Furthermore, toxicology reports indicated there were neither drugs nor alcohol in her system at the time of her death. This detail dispels any theories regarding substance abuse playing a role in the tragedy and focuses the investigation squarely on the physical altercation that took place.