TITUSVILLE, Fla. – An 18-year-old Titusville student has been identified as the passenger who died on a Carnival cruise ship, according to ABC News.
Anna Kepner, who was a senior at Temple Christian School in Titusville, died Friday aboard the Carnival Horizon, a ship holding up to nearly 4,000 guests that sails to the Caribbean.
Her cause of death has not been released.
The school shared a message on social media, describing Kepner as a “bright, kind-hearted young woman whose presence brought warmth and energy into the classroom.”
Kepner’s family told ABC News that she had just finished taking a test to join the military. ABC News also said Kepner volunteered in her grandparents’ 55+ neighborhood and helped businesses in Titusville.
The ship returned to PortMiami on Saturday as planned, the company said.
Carnival Cruise Line said it was working with the FBI Miami office to investigate the incident.
“Our focus is on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating with the FBI,” the company said in a statement.
On the school’s campus Monday, Titusville Community Correspondent James Sparvero talked to emotional parents who sent their condolences to Kepner’s family.
Kepner’s car was still parked at the school Monday and became a memorial.
“I see that (parking) spot, and it just makes my heart felt for the family,” Rosa Pissanos said. “I can only imagine the pain that they’re going through.”
Megan Gray touched on Kepner’s impact on the Christian school’s community.
“Her faith in God was really present in all of the kids, and that’s really helped them through a lot,” Gray said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.