The father of an 18-year-old cheerleader who died while on a cruise ship has spoken out after the FBI launched an investigation into her death.
As previously reported, Anna Kepner was traveling aboard the Carnival Horizon to the Caribbean on Saturday (November 8) when she tragically died under mysterious circumstances.
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the cheerleader's passing in a statement and added: “Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI," per The Independent.
The exact cause of Anna's death on the six-day cruise has not been disclosed, and the cruise line noted that further details could not be shared as the matter remains under federal investigation.
Now, her father, 41-year-old Christopher Kepner, has heartbreakingly revealed that he still has "no idea" what happened to the teenager to cause her untimely death.
He told the Daily Mail: "Everybody was questioned. Everybody came off that ship. I don’t know who they are looking at or what their investigation is.
“The FBI hasn’t shared anything with me yet. I would imagine they’re going to be in contact with me about it – but I know as little as everybody else,” he continued.
“I have no idea what is going on right now. We are just trying to sit still and wait for answers.”
As Anna's death occurred in international waters, the FBI is leading the investigation and has shared few details thus far.
The Miami Dade County Medical Examiner listed Anna’s time of death at 11.17AM on November 7, but did not state the cause of death or where it occurred, per the Daily Mail.
Following Anna's death, the Carnival Horizon changed its course to stop at the Port of Miami on Saturday.
Her father, a crane operator, also shared that the family has had to avoid social media in the wake of the tragedy as rumors began to circulate regarding Anna's death.
He told the outlet: "I’ve had to shut the world out. I don’t watch the TV anymore. We’ve literally had to stop doing anything to do with the internet.
"We are very private people. Our lives have been turned upside down."
Anna had been set to graduate from Temple Christian School in Titusville, Florida, in May, and had just finished her test to join the military, her family said.
“When she walked into a room, she would light it up,” her loved ones told ABC News.
“If you were sad, she’d make you laugh. She would joke around and be the funniest little person in school.”
Anna was also known for her athleticism, having begun gymnastics at the age of two and going on to become a cheerleader on her high school’s varsity team.
Beyond athletics, she loved the water, earning both her boater’s license and scuba certification.
“She was a people person,” her family shared.
“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.”
The investigation into her death is ongoing.