Additional Coverage:
A tragic incident occurred early Monday morning near Southern California’s Catalina Island when a woman traveling with her family fell from the balcony of her stateroom aboard the Carnival Firenze cruise ship and died, according to the cruise line.
The unidentified woman was en route to Ensenada, Mexico, when she fell from the balcony and landed on a deck below. Her family promptly alerted the ship’s crew following the fall.
Carnival Cruise Line spokesperson Julie Leonardi confirmed the death and stated that all relevant authorities have been notified. Law enforcement officers boarded the ship while it was docked at Catalina Island to conduct an investigation.
Leonardi emphasized that the cruise line’s Care Team is providing support to the woman’s family, offering thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. She also noted that the incident remains under investigation.
The Carnival Firenze is a large, Italian-themed vessel measuring 1,000 feet and capable of accommodating more than 5,000 passengers. The stateroom where the woman stayed features a private deck known as the Terrazza, described by the cruise line as a comfortable spot to relax.
This incident comes just months after the death of 18-year-old Anna Kepner aboard the Carnival Horizon. Kepner was found deceased under a bed in her cabin during a family cruise. Her death was ruled mechanical asphyxia, and her 16-year-old stepbrother, who shared the cabin with her, has been charged with homicide in connection with her death.
Authorities continue to investigate the recent fall from the Carnival Firenze, and the cruise line remains cooperative with law enforcement.