Florida teen Anna Kepner, who died aboard a Carnival cruise ship earlier this month, was reportedly been strangled during a struggle.
ABC News reports that a “a source briefed on the investigation” indicated that the 18-year-old died by asphyxiation after someone held an arm across her neck, known as a bar hold.
The source reportedly said that there were no signs of a sexual assault and that initial reports did not find drugs or alcohol at play. Official autopsy and toxicology reports have not been released.
Investigators, according to the source, located two bruises on the teen’s neck.
The FBI and the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner’s Office have not yet confirmed the claims.
As CrimeOnline previously reported, a room steward reportedly discovered Anna’s body at around 11 a.m. while cleaning a cabin aboard the Carnival Horizon. The ship then detoured and stopped at Port Miami on November 8.
Anna Kepner died on November 7, according to the Miami-Dade County Medical Examiner. The vessel was in Cuba at the time, on the northwest coast.
Her 16-year-old stepbrother, who was aboard the cruise with Anna and other family members, is currently considered a suspect in her death.
READ MORE: Anna Kepner: 16-Year-old Stepbrother Was Obsessed with Cheerleader Killed on Cruise Ship
The story is developing. Check back for updates.
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[Feature Photo: Anna Kepner/Instagram]
