FBI Investigates Death of Florida Teen on Carnival Horizon, Raising Serious Cruise Line Safety Concerns

A Florida teen died this week while traveling on board the Carnival Horizon ship. Now, reports indicate that the FBI’s Miami office is investigating the death. At the Hickey Law Firm, our Miami-based, nationally recognized attorneys handle cruise ship injury and wrongful-death cases when tragedies take place at sea. Cruise lines have responsibilities toward passengers. When they fail to fulfill those responsibilities, we work to hold them accountable.

What happened on the Carnival Horizon

The details regarding this tragic death are slim at this time. Reports indicate that the teen was traveling with her family on the Carnival Horizon, which can carry around 4,000 passengers. The ship returned to Port Miami on November 8th, 2025, as scheduled. FBI investigators then boarded the ship, and the teen’s body was transferred to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner for autopsy. The authorities have not released the cause of her death. Although deaths do sometimes occur on cruise ships, it’s less common for federal law enforcement officers to be involved in an investigation following these tragic cases. The presence of the FBI suggests that there could be suspicions of foul play.

A life cut short at sea

The victim’s family, friends, teachers, and others have been posting tributes to her online. According to those who knew her, she was an A-student and planned to join the military after graduating from high school in May 2026. Students and teachers at her high school, Temple Christian School, covered her white car with flowers in a spontaneous memorial after news of her passing.

Federal investigations on cruise ships

The FBI shares jurisdiction with state and local law enforcement when U.S. citizens die at sea on U.S.-bound vessels. These investigations can become complicated because the ships may be registered in foreign countries, and deaths may occur in international waters or other countries.

Cruise line responsibility and passenger rights

Cruise lines owe their passengers a duty of “reasonable care under the circumstances.” Even when an incident occurs at sea, it’s possible for U.S. courts to hold cruise lines accountable under general maritime law in cases where negligence contributed to injury or death. There are many ways that a cruise line may be liable, including:

• Implementing inadequate safety protocols or security.
• Improperly supervising employees or crew.
• Inadequately responding in an emergency.
• Failing to provide competent onboard medical care.
• Conducting poor investigations or improperly preserving evidence following an onboard death.

While this case may involve criminal charges, it’s possible that the family will also be able to file a civil case for damages. The Hickey Law Firm routinely sues major lines, including Carnival, but also other companies such as Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, MSC, and Princess.

In the case of Carnival, which is headquartered in Miami, most lawsuits against the cruise line must be filed in federal court in Miami, pursuant to the Passenger Ticket Contract’s venue clause.

Legal steps for families after a cruise ship death

Families faced with unimaginable loss on a cruise ship should try to take steps to protect their ability to hold those responsible accountable. While nothing can bring back a loved one, seeking accountability can help prevent future tragedies and alleviate some of the financial burdens on the family related to the loss. Some steps to take include:

• Preserve evidence early: Get copies of records from the cruise line, make a list of witnesses, and get photographs of any evidence when possible.
• Notify the cruise line promptly: Cruise lines protect themselves with contracts that often require written notice of claims within 180 days and a statute of limitations that gives just one year to file a lawsuit.
• File in the correct venue: Make sure you start the process in the right place. For instance in cases against Carnival Cruise Line, you will most likely need to file in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida (Miami).

All of this is overwhelming to think about in the aftermath of a tragedy, but we can walk you through the process so that you don’t have to worry about legal logistics.

Potential claims may include wrongful death under general maritime law. The cruise line might be responsible because of negligent security, medical malpractice on board, or negligent training/supervision of crew members. In a successful claim, families may be able to recover funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and economic losses.

Broader concerns about cruise ship safety

Sadly, deaths and assaults at sea remain under-reported, often because cruise lines operate under foreign registries and complex jurisdictional rules. The Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act (CVSSA of 2010) aimed to improve reporting of such crimes and deaths, but enforcement gaps remain. The truth is, cruise lines are among the least regulated transportation industries, but many passengers unwittingly board their ships believing they will be safe.

At the Hickey Law Firm, we believe that families who suffer the loss of a loved one on a cruise deserve answers, transparency, and justice. We’re here to help families investigate what happened, preserve evidence, and hold negligent parties responsible. The lawyers at Hickey Law Firm specialize in maritime death cases and cases against cruise lines. John H. (Jack) Hickey represented cruise lines for 20 years before he started representing injured passengers against cruise lines. We have numerous cases right now pending against Carnival Cruise Line.

At the Hickey Law Firm, our founding attorney is triple board-certified, including in Maritime law. We regularly handle cases against major cruise lines and know what it takes to fight back against this powerful industry. If your family has lost a loved one or suffered a serious injury on a cruise, contact Hickey Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.