Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, died on September 21 at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, aged 42. Her death was announced in an online obituary, but the cause has not been revealed.
Life After Spinal Injury
In 2020, Kyle suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her with long-term paralysis and other medical challenges. Her obituary said: "The years that followed brought struggles but Kyle fought to maintain her dry wit and determination through it all, trying to be the best possible mother to her sons and caring for her two beloved, ill-behaved Wheaten terriers."
The mum-of-three left behind sons Conor, 12, and Declan, 10. Her daughter Josephine died just days after she was born. Kyle was just 13 when her father Michael died after hitting a tree while skiing with relatives in 1997. Years later, she suffered the loss of her baby daughter Josephine, known as Josie, who was Conor's twin sister. Her family said she carried her daughter's memory with her throughout her life.
Family Legacy and Advocacy
Kyle was one of Robert F Kennedy, known as Bobby, and Ethel's 34 grandchildren and the daughter of Michael Kennedy. She was also the niece of Robert F Kennedy Jr and great-niece of assassinated former president John F Kennedy. Her mother, Victoria Denise Gifford, was the daughter of NFL legend Frank Gifford.
Before her spinal injury, Kyle was a keen runner who completed the Boston Marathon in 2019 in driving rain. She beat her father's time by 20 minutes. It is not confirmed how she suffered the injury the following year, but described the struggles she faced afterwards while raising her sons.
Career and Tributes
She later used her experience to speak up for others living with disabilities, giving evidence at the Massachusetts state house during a hearing about discrimination in disabled healthcare. Much of Kyle's working life was spent trying to improve education for young children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. She began teaching in New York City's public schools through Teach for America, spending two years in classrooms before moving into education reform. She later worked with technology companies on school curricula and helped coach teachers working with younger pupils.
The obituary paid tribute to her and read: "Blessed with a formidable intellect, dry wit, and beauty, she will be remembered for her devotion to her children Conor, Josephine, and Declan, and her support for educational reform for disadvantaged children and for people living with disabilities." Her funeral was held privately.
