Eagles star celebrates on the field only to face gut-wrenching heartbreak when his 18-year-old cousin dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances.QQ
Philadelphia’s locker room was filled with celebration after a gritty 10-7 win over the Green Bay Packers, but for one Eagles player, joy quickly turned into heartbreak.
Just hours after the game, Eagles wide receiver received a call that shattered him. His 18-year-old cousin, who had been reported dead aboard a cruise ship traveling from Miami to the Caribbean, had passed away unexpectedly.
According to reports, the young woman, identified as Anna Kepner, a bright straight-A student from Titusville, Florida, was traveling with family aboard the Carnival Horizon when tragedy struck. The ship returned to Miami on Saturday, where the
FBI has opened an official investigation into her death.
Anna was described by loved ones as “a happy, bubbly soul with a big heart.” Her family told ABC News, “When she walked into a room, she would light it up. If you were sad, she’d make you laugh. She was the funniest little person in school.”
Carnival Cruise Line confirmed the incident in a statement, saying their focus is “on supporting the family of our guest and cooperating fully with the FBI.”
She had recently finished her test to join the U.S. military and was already in contact with recruiters, excited about serving her community. Her family said she loved the water, was a certified scuba diver, and spent her weekends volunteering around town.
It wasn’t until Monday night, after the Eagles’ hard-fought victory over the Packers, that wide receiver Johnny Wilson — who had grown up close to Anna after moving to Florida for college, finally received the devastating news.
“I was still celebrating the win with my teammates when my mom called,” Wilson said. “She told me Anna was gone. I couldn’t believe it. One moment I’m feeling on top of the world, and the next, it all comes crashing down. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever felt. I just pray to God that the police will find whoever did this, and bring justice for her.”
Those close to Wilson say he and Anna shared a deep bond, she often cheered for him during his early college games, calling him “my big brother on TV.”
The Eagles organization released a brief statement offering support to Wilson and his family, saying the team “stands with Johnny during this unimaginable time.”
Anna’s family hopes she will be remembered for her generosity, her laughter, and her unwavering love for others. Her grandmother said she was “the best child you could ever meet,” adding,
“We’ll always remember her for who she was.”
For Wilson, Monday night’s victory will forever be bittersweet, a reminder that even in moments of triumph, life can change in a heartbeat.
