Teenager Anna Kepner, 18, was found dead on the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month. An investigation revealed that her death was due to asphyxiation caused by a bar hold, which involves an arm across the neck, according to a source familiar with the case. The source also noted that two bruises were discovered on the side of her neck.

The FBI has not provided comments regarding the ongoing investigation, and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office also declined to comment on the matter. Preliminary findings suggest there were no indications of sexual assault, and there appeared to be no drugs or alcohol in Kepner's system. However, autopsy and toxicology reports that would confirm these details are still pending.

Kepner, a cheerleader from Titusville, Florida, was reported dead on November 8 while aboard the cruise ship. She was found under a bed, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life vests, according to a security source involved in the investigation.

In a related court filing, it was mentioned that Kepner's stepsibling might face charges. The filing indicated that the FBI is investigating the circumstances surrounding Kepner's sudden death. Shauntel Hudson, Kepner's stepmother, who was on the cruise with her children and Kepner's father, requested a delay in her custody hearing. This request was made due to the possibility that one of her minor children could face criminal charges, as noted in the court documents.