Ethel Kennedy faced unimaginable heartbreak throughout her life. Among the many tragedies she endured was the sudden loss of two of her sons. Take a closer look at the heartbreaking deaths of David and Michael Kennedy.
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was a prominent figure in American history, known for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her strength in the face of family tragedies.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy boarding a plane for San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Born into a political dynasty, she married into one of the most iconic American families. She and Robert raised 11 children, navigating both the highs of public service and the lows of personal loss.
Despite her remarkable resilience, Ethel was no stranger to heartache, having tragically lost two of her sons — David and Michael Kennedy — in sudden and devastating circumstances.
Ethel Kennedy at the Restore Ball in New York City on September 28, 1970. | Source: Getty Images
David, the fourth of Ethel’s children, led a life deeply affected by trauma. At just 13 years old, he witnessed the assassination of his father on live television, an event that haunted him for the rest of his life.
Despite his promising beginnings, the emotional toll of his father’s death led David down a path of addiction. On April 25, 1984, he was found dead in his hotel room in Palm Beach, Florida, at 28.
David and Chris Kennedy watching a tennis match with their cousin, Ted Kennedy Jr., on August 25, 1974. | Source: Getty Images
He had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, and while his cause of death wasn’t immediately clear, investigators eventually ruled out suicide.
There were ”no signs of foul play,” said Sergeant Henry L. Marchman, spokesman for the Police Department of Palm Beach. The results of a preliminary autopsy tonight were being studied, as officials suspected it was an accidental overdose.
David Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention on July 15, 1976, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
David, who resided in Boston, traveled to Palm Beach to visit his grandmother, Rose Kennedy, who was in poor health. His body was discovered by a hotel secretary, Elizabeth Barnett, around 11:30 a.m. after a family member called to check if he had left for his flight.
When there was no response from his room phone, the hotel staff were instructed to investigate, according to hotel spokesman Gerald H. Beebe Jr.
David Kennedy in New York in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
The spokesman noted that hotel staff had seen David the previous Tuesday, describing him as being in good spirits. A desk clerk even recalled him waving as he passed the front desk.
David’s uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, reflected on his nephew’s troubled life, stating, “We all pray that David has finally found the peace that he did not find in life.” The Kennedy family were no strangers to tragedy and mourned deeply, but the heartbreak did not end there.
Members of the Kennedy family escorted by Ethel Kennedy carrying the casket of David Kennedy from the hearse to the Kennedy House on May 4, 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Thirteen years later, in 1997, another devastating blow struck Ethel when her son Michael died in a skiing accident. Known for his adventurous spirit, Michael was skiing in Aspen, Colorado, when he collided with a tree, resulting in his immediate death at 39.
Michael Kennedy and Vicky Gifford at Attorney Roy Cohn’s birthday party in New York City on February 22, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
Michael had faced controversy in the years leading up to his death due to an alleged affair with the family’s babysitter. The scandal even affected his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II’s political aspirations.
20+ Stunning Red Carpet Outfits That Caught Everyone’s Attention
As soon as a celebrity hit the red carpet, their outfits are all over the Internet. But sometimes you have to look closely at every little detail to appreciate their fascinating gowns.
Margot Robbie showed up to the Oscars after-party in a playful vintage corset embellished with tiny beads.
Lance Goldberg/Broadimage Entertainment/Broad Image/East News, Evan Agostini/Invision/East News
Thanks to the unusual cut of Emma Stone’s dress, it seemed that the actress was wearing one dress on top of another.
JERRY PEREZ / Avalon/Photoshot/East News
Rosamund Pike hit the red carpet carrying roses, but they were in the pockets of her fancy dress.
Fati Sadou/ABACAPRESS.COM/Abaca/East News
Nicole Kidman looked like a fairy tale bird in this intricate feathered dress.
CJ Rivera / Invision / East News
Blake Lively’s jumpsuit was so long that it looked like having 2 trains at once.
Evan Agostini / Invision / East News, Evan Agostini / Invision / East News
Valentina Ferrer’s dress seemed very chaste. But as soon as she turned sideways, it wasn’t anymore.
ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News, ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News
Sharon Stone’s classic pantsuit might well have been overlooked if it wasn’t for the big flower brooch.
Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News, Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News
At the Vanity Fair party, Diane Kruger wore one of the hottest trends — knee-high socks.
MICHAEL TRAN/AFP/East News
Anne Hathaway’s dress design made it look like she descended straight from the clouds.
ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News, ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News
Gwyneth Paltrow’s outfit looks quite ordinary at first glance. But when you start to look at it closely, you’ll spot see-through inserts and a bare belly.
JTMLA / Broadimage Entertainment / Broad Image / East News, JTMLA / Broadimage Entertainment / Broad Image / East News
At the Swarovski shop opening, model Ashley Graham sparkled with thousands of crystals.
NDZ / STAR MAX / IPx / Associated Press / East News, NDZ / STAR MAX / IPx / Associated Press / East News
The skirt of Sidney Sweeney’s outfit was decorated with a huge bow. And if you look closely, you can see a similar accessory on her hair.
Guerin Charles / ABACA / Abaca / East News, ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News
Naomi Campbell’s intricate collar has taken over the spotlight.
Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News, Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News
The mesmerizing pearl inset on Lily James’ dress draws attention like a magnet.
Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News, Vianney Le Caer / Invision / East News
For the Vanity Fair party, Heidi Klum opted for a gold dress with multiple slits all over the length.
Lance Goldberg/Broadimage Entertainment/Broad Image/East News
Kate Hudson was simply irresistible in a dress that resembled a bouquet of flowers.
Evan Agostini / Invision / East News, Evan Agostini / Invision / East News
Chrissy Teigen also looked like an exotic flower thanks to the quirky decor of her dress.
Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News, Collin Xavier / Image Press Agency ABACA / Abaca / East News
Halle Berry’s gorgeous gown was spiced up by a daring double slit.
Evan Agostini / Invision / East News
Sienna Miller’s dress, inspired by the ’20s style, had an unexpected twist when she turned around.
ANGELA WEISS / AFP / East News, Gilbert Flores / Broadimage Entertainment / Broad Image / East News
Carey Mulligan delighted everyone with a gorgeous two-color gown featuring a flowing drape from back to bottom.
IMAGO/Frederic Kern/Imago Stock and People/East News, Thomas Bohlen/Starface/STARFACE PHOTO /East News
At the premiere of Dune: Part Two, Zendaya caused a sensation by appearing on the red carpet dressed in armor.
Scott A Garfitt/Invision/East News
And here is a compilation of unique celebrity outfits that made a stylish splash.
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