Teenager on Jacksonville-based cruise line witnessed passenger's death

An active investigation is underway to determine how a woman fell to her death on a Jacksonville-based cruise ship.

On Monday, the Carnival Elation returned to port after the four-day cruise to the Bahamas.

The cruise line said the woman fell from her balcony down several decks on the first day of the cruise.

Action News Jax spoke to 15-year-old Aiden Murphy who said he rushed to try and help the woman, but it was already too late.

“She was like pale white,” Murphy said. “It was really gruesome.”

Carnival Cruise sent a statement that said their medical team responded immediately, but, unfortunately, she died.

The company went on to say their thoughts and prayers are with the deceased and her family.

Bahamian law enforcement is handling the investigation.

Passengers said they were forced to stay on board for hours when they reached Nassau, Bahamas so investigators could collect evidence.

“They had the whole thing taped off with caution tape,” Murphy said.

He said he hopes they can figure out what happened for the sake of the woman’s family.

“I hope everybody gets a little bit of a better understanding on what exactly happened because a lot of people were confused about it,” Murphy said.

The woman’s identity has yet to be released.

Cox Media Group