Anna Kepner's Dad Shares How Family Will Celebrate Thanksgiving: 'Anna Is Still with Us' (Exclusive) By Samira Asma-Sadeque

The family of Anna Kepner, who died on Nov. 6 while on a cruise, says they will celebrate Thanksgiving a little different this year, while honoring the slain teen’s presence among them.

Christopher Kepner was with his daughter Anna aboard the Carnival Horizon where she was found dead by a housekeeper on Nov. 7.

A medical examiner has since determined the Titusville, Fla. teen was “mechanically asphyxiated,” according to ABC News.

Christopher, 41, says his blended family of seven has always done Thanksgiving with their own tradition: going with whatever the kids wanted.

“We’ve always done it different,” Christopher tells PEOPLE, “if the kids like a certain thing, we cooked it.”

He says this year, the family will “spend this time close and together,” and instead of doing a traditional turkey, the family is planning steak on the grill.

“We’re not really doing Thanksgiving-Thanksgiving,” he said. “We’re gonna do it more different this year. We’re still going to celebrate and Anna is here with us.”

Anna loved cornbread casserole, he recalled, adding that she would always get that for Thanksgiving.

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Authorities have not publicly named a person of interest in the case.

Anna’s 16-year-old stepbrother, who is the son of Christopher’s wife Shauntel Hudson, may face a criminal investigation in the matter, according to unrelated court documents as previously reported by PEOPLE.

In court filings pertaining to Hudson’s custody issues with her ex-husband Thomas Hudson, Thomas said the 16-year-old may be a suspect in his stepsister’s death.

Anna’s grandparents previously told ABC News that the two teens were like “peas in a pod.”

Christopher says he cannot confirm if the 16-year-old is responsible for Anna’s death, “but can’t can’t decline” it.

“I want him to face the consequences, I will be fighting to make sure that does happen,” he tells PEOPLE.

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The beloved cheerleader’s death remains shrouded in mystery weeks after the killing.

The FBI previously confirmed to PEOPLE it is investigating the matter but has since declined to comment on updates.