What Happened to Ethel Kennedy’s 2 Children Who Tragically Died?

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.

Kelly Rizzo Shows Incredible Strength in the Face of Grief

Losing a spouse is an incredibly difficult experience, especially when they pass away. It brings immense grief and sadness that can be difficult to move on from. However, Kelly Rizzo, the widow of beloved Full House star Bob Saget, has shown incredible strength in facing her grief head-on.

After two years of mourning, Rizzo has decided to embark on a new chapter in her life – the world of dating. In January 2022, the world was shocked by Saget’s unexpected passing at the age of 65 due to accidental head trauma. Rizzo openly expressed her grief since then but now, she’s ready to take a step forward.

Initially, Rizzo shared that dating was not something she could even fathom, stating, “The thought of anything serious in the near future was just too complicated emotionally.” However, she also acknowledged the importance of companionship and expressed her openness to meeting someone and enjoying simple activities, such as going for a coffee or a hike.

Recently, Kelly Rizzo made her public debut with her new partner, Breckin Meyer. The couple appeared together at the Jam for Janie GRAMMY Awards Viewing Party and posed on the red carpet. Meyer is known for his roles in popular movies like Clueless and the live-action Garfield films.

Rizzo looked stunning in a body-hugging leopard-print dress, while Meyer went for a more casual look with gray khakis and a denim jacket. Their relationship has since been confirmed by the media.

It’s important to remember that healing is a personal journey, and everyone finds love in their own time. Kelly Rizzo’s willingness to open her heart again is a testament to her strength and resilience.

She had previously mentioned that dating was not something she was ready for, as the emotions attached to the idea were still overwhelming. However, she expressed her readiness to explore the possibility in the future.

As we celebrate this new chapter in Kelly Rizzo’s life, let’s also remember the love she shared with Bob Saget. They were married for four years until his passing in 2022. Moving on after losing a loved one is never easy, but we wish her the best of luck in finding happiness in whatever she pursues.

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