A family vacation turned tragic when 18-year-old Anna Kepner was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon cruise ship earlier this month. The incident has left her family in shock, particularly as authorities have identified her stepbrother as a suspect in her death.

Anna's grandparents, Barbara and Jeffrey Kepner, described her as a vibrant young woman with dreams of joining the Navy after graduating high school in May. "We were all having a great time," Barbara Kepner recalled. "I couldn't fathom why anyone would wanna hurt my baby."

The family was on a holiday cruise with eight members, including Anna and her stepbrother. While the cause of death has not been officially confirmed, the Kepners stated that the FBI informed them Anna likely died from asphyxiation, possibly due to a bar hold, which involves an arm across the neck.

The FBI has not commented on the ongoing investigation, and the details surrounding Anna's death remain unverified. The Kepners shared that preliminary information indicated no signs of sexual assault and no drugs or alcohol in Anna's system. Autopsy and toxicology reports are still pending.

The family had hoped to establish a new tradition with this cruise, which included three generations staying in three staterooms. "It's all family. It's a blended family, yes, but that's not how our family is," Jeffrey Kepner said. He emphasized that there are "no such thing as steps" in their family dynamic.

Anna's last night alive was marked by a dental discomfort that led her to return to her room briefly. She later joined her family in the casino, where she played a game before saying goodbye. The next morning, a medical alert over the ship's loudspeakers announced a situation in her room. Jeffrey Kepner recognized the room number and feared the worst.

When he entered, he found Anna's body concealed under the bed, with bruises on her neck. "I still wake up seeing that," he said. The family was devastated, with Barbara recalling the moment her husband informed her of the tragedy. "I just screamed. I couldn't stop screaming."

The stepbrother, who was reportedly the only person seen entering and exiting the room he shared with Anna, was questioned by law enforcement. He was later hospitalized for psychiatric observation after the incident but has since been released to stay with a relative.

Barbara Kepner expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating, "I can't accuse him because I don't know what happened in that room." She added that the stepbrother claimed he does not remember the events leading to Anna's death.

The family is left grappling with unanswered questions and the pain of losing Anna. "The biggest question that I want answered is the why. And that's the answer that I don't know if we'll ever get," Jeffrey Kepner said.

As they await further information from authorities, the Kepners are trying to process their grief while seeking justice for Anna. "No matter what we find out, no matter what they tell us, it's not going to bring either one of these children back," Barbara Kepner said, reflecting on the profound loss they have experienced.