Kyle Kennedy, RFK granddaughter and disability advocate, dies at 42

Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, died on September 21 at her residence in Westwood, Massachusetts. She was 42 years old. Burke Funeral Homes published an obituary confirming the educator’s passing.

Cause of death remains pending

Kyle Kennedy Facebook photo

The specific cause of death has not been publicly released. The Westwood Town Clerk stated to People that the official death certificate lists the cause as pending. No further medical details have been confirmed by authorities or family representatives.

Family lineage and early life

Kennedy was the daughter of Michael Kennedy, one of the eleven children born to Robert and Ethel Kennedy, and Victoria Denise Gifford. Her maternal grandfather was former NFL player Frank Gifford. Michael Kennedy died in a skiing accident in 1997, when Kyle was 13 years old.

Education and professional career

According to her obituary, Kennedy graduated from Georgetown University. She subsequently earned advanced degrees from Pace University and Harvard University. Her professional journey began with Teach For America, where she taught in New York City public schools. She later focused her efforts on improving educational opportunities for disadvantaged children.

Advocacy following spinal injury

In 2020, Kennedy suffered a serious spinal cord injury that resulted in long-term paralysis and other medical challenges. Following this event, she became an advocate for people with disabilities. This work included testifying before Massachusetts lawmakers regarding discrimination in healthcare settings.

Her obituary also highlighted her love of running, noting that she completed the Boston Marathon in 2019.

Survivors and private services

Kennedy is survived by her two sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10. She is also survived by her former husband, Liam Kerr, her mother, siblings, and other family members. She was preceded in death by her infant daughter Josephine, who was Conor’s twin sister and passed away shortly after birth.

The obituary remembered her dedication to her children, her work in education, and her advocacy for people living with disabilities. Funeral services were held privately.

In related family news, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s son, Conor Kennedy, recently married singer Giulia Be.