Anna Kepner's mysterious death aboard a Carnival cruise ship was a homicide by "mechanical asphyxiation," according to a new report.
The 18-year-old was found dead aboard the Carnival Horizon on Nov. 7, around 11:15 a.m.
"Mechanical asphyxia just means there is something external to the body that hinders her breathing — her chest or belly can't expand," said Dr. Priya Banerjee, a board-certified forensic pathologist.
The Miami-Dade Medical Examiner's Office declined to comment, citing the ongoing investigation.
The teen's death was ruled a homicide, and she was "mechanically asphyxiated by other person(s)", found dead under the bed in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered in life jackets in a room she shared with the stepbrother.
Both of his parents and their attorneys have not responded to multiple requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
Kepner was a high school varsity cheerleader who planned to join the Navy after graduation and ultimately wanted to become a K-9 police officer.