THE body of teen Anna Kepner was discovered hidden in a grim location on a cruise ship, it has been revealed.
The bombshell claim has raised disturbing new questions for the FBI after Anna, 18, mysteriously died while holidaying on the Carnival Horizon.
The body of the Georgia Bulldogs fan was found wrapped in a blanket and shoved under a bed, the Daily Mail has reported, citing two anonymous sources.
But it’s not been revealed why her remains were under the bed, how long her body had been there for, or how she died.
The senior year student, who had ambitions to join the military after graduation, was found dead on the $800 million cruise ship while on holiday with her family.
The cause of death remains unknown, but Miami-Dade investigators confirmed her date of death as November 7.
The FBI has been leading the investigation into her death as she passed away in international waters.
However, it has yet to make a statement on her passing, and it has not revealed whether it has launched a murder probe.
A source has now revealed that Anna had complained of feeling unwell on the evening of November 6 while she was eating dinner.
So she returned to her cabin.
The next day, her dad, Christopher Kepner, 41, and stepmom Shauntel Hudson, 36, met the family for breakfast.
But upon realizing that Anna was not there, they began a desperate search for the missing teen – who they have described as “bubbly, funny and outgoing.”
Eventually a maid found her body, the Mail said.
The grim discovery occurred when the maid entered the cabin to service the room at about 11 am on November 7.
Anna was found wrapped in a blanket, and covered over with life jackets.
Her body was “stuffed under a bed,” the paper added.
Anna’s father and the FBI were contacted for comment.
Anna Marie Kepner’s heartbreaking obituary
A celebration of the 18-year-old’s life is being held on November 20
Anna Kepner has been remembered for “filling the world with laughter, love, and light that reached everyone around her.
“Anna was pure energy: bubbly, funny, outgoing, and completely herself.”
These tributes are in the family’s poignant obituary, following the tragic death of the teen on November 7 on board the Carnival Horizon.
Anna “had a big, beautiful heart, often sending random ‘I love you’ messages or little gestures that made someone’s day,” the obit added.
“Anna loved kids, dolphins, butterflies, arts and crafts, and doing puzzles with her Memaw.
“Anna loved all kinds of music (except heavy metal) and had a soft spot for Shawn Mendes.
“She was also incredibly determined and hardworking; reliable, responsible, and always willing to help.
“She supported many local businesses when they needed an extra hand and had big dreams for her future.
“She planned to join the U.S. Navy after graduation and later become a K9 police officer.
“Her love for sports and team spirit shone through every part of her life.
“A Georgia Bulldogs fan through and through, just like her family. Anna dreamed of one day becoming a cheerleader for the Bulldogs.”
Source: North Brevard Funeral Home
Christopher has previously said the family was confused about the cause of Anna’s death.
“The FBI hasn’t shared anything with me yet,” he told the Daily Mail last Wednesday.
“I would imagine they’re going to be in contact with me about it – but I know as little as everybody else.”
Her father also said that everybody who “came off that ship” had been “questioned.”
“I don’t know who they are looking at or what their investigation is,” Christopher added.
The vessel’s location was between Cozumel, Mexico, and Miami at the time of Anna’s death.
Her body was removed from the Carnival Horizon on November 8 during a six-day cruise after the vessel docked in Miami, after it changed its course.
The ship had been heading to the Caribbean, when she died.
COMPLEX PROBE
The FBI’s probe into her passing is “very complex — it falls under what’s called special maritime jurisdiction laws that mandate this,” ex-special agent Nicole Parker told Fox News Digital.
“For example, if a cruise departs from Miami, that gives FBI Miami jurisdiction if it’s returning in or out of a U.S. cruise port.
“And if the alleged crime occurred in international waters, then that’s the FBI’s responsibility,” she added on November 11.
Parker, who has years of experience investigating maritime cases, said such cases often required complex coordination between agencies and cruise line officials.
“I can confirm that the FBI has responded to the scene,” a spokesperson told Fox.
“Because this is an ongoing matter, no further information is available at this time.”
The service did not say why it was investigating Anna’s death or whether foul play was suspected, Fox added.
HEARTBROKEN
Anna’s stepmom, Shauntel Kepner, of Titusville in Florida, has previously said the family would not comment further on her death.
She shared a heartbreaking link to a poignant obituary ahead of a ceremony celebrating Anna on November 20.
“This is something I never imagined I’d have to post,” Shantel said on Facebook.
“Anna Marie, I love you so much. This world will never be the same without you.”
She said the family would not comment further to the media, after conducting one interview with ABC News.
