Anna's Story

Anna Marie Kepner, affectionately known as “Anna Banana,” was an 18-year-old high school senior from Titusville, Florida, remembered for her bright and bubbly personality. Born on June 13, 2007, she was described as “pure energy” who filled the world with laughter and light, and was known for her thoughtful nature, ensuring no one ever felt excluded. A lifelong gymnast and a member of her school’s cheerleading team, Anna was also an “A” student at Temple Christian School, where she was set to graduate in the spring of 2026.

Anna was adventurous and loved spending time in the water, having earned her boating license before her driving license and becoming PADI-certified to dive. She had ambitious plans for her future, intending to join the U.S. Navy after graduation and eventually become a K9 police officer. A devoted fan of the Georgia Bulldogs, she also dreamed of one day becoming a cheerleader for the team. She cherished her large family, which included seven siblings, and enjoyed simple pleasures like practicing makeup looks, making TikTok videos, and doing puzzles with her grandmother.

Her life was tragically cut short on November 7th, 2025, when she succumbed to asphyxiation during a family vacation on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship. Her step-brother was responsible for her death, using a “bar hold” technique to suffocate her. Her body was discovered stuffed under her cabin bed, naked, wrapped in a sheet, and covered with life jackets. It was found discarded as if it were trash. The FBI is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, but only limited details have been released to the public. In her honor, her family and friends held a “Celebration of Life” event, wearing her favorite color, blue, and reminiscing about the joy and light she brought into their lives.