The Kennedy family, synonymous with wealth, style, and above all, a string of tragic events often referred to as the ‘Kennedy Curse.’ This conspiracy theory, deeply ingrained in popular culture, suggests that the descendants of Joseph P. Kennedy Sr. are plagued by untimely deaths and accidents. This article will delve into the chilling instances of the apparent Kennedy family curse, from the 1940s to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Disclaimer: This article discusses topics such as mental illness, miscarriages, and health issues.
The Ill-Fated Life of Rosemary Kennedy
Rosemary Kennedy, the eldest daughter of the Kennedy clan, led a life marred by seizures and mood swings. According to Rosemary: The Hidden Kennedy Daughter by Kate Clifford Larson, these health issues stemmed from oxygen deprivation during her birth. When Rosemary turned 23, her father, Joseph Kennedy, arranged a lobotomy for her without informing his wife until after the fact. This drastic act was driven by embarrassment and a desire to safeguard the family’s political reputation.
The Unexpected Demise of Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., the eldest son of the Kennedy family, met his end during World War II. In August 1944, despite being on the brink of returning home, Joseph volunteered for a dangerous mission. He was to fly an aircraft packed with explosives over the North Sea and parachute out before detonation. Unfortunately, the bombs exploded prematurely, killing him instantly.
The Downfall of Kathleen Kennedy
Kathleen “Kick” Kennedy, another sibling from the Kennedy lineage, lost her life in a tragic plane crash on May 13, 1948. She was en route to the French Riviera along with Lord Fitzwilliam, pilot Peter Townshend, and navigator Arthur Freeman. The plane encountered multiple issues mid-flight, resulting in an accident that claimed everyone on board.
The Tragic Loss of Arabella & Patrick Kennedy
John F. Kennedy and his wife, Jackie, experienced the heart-wrenching loss of two children. Their son, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, succumbed to complications from hyaline membrane disease (HMD) just two days after birth. Eight years earlier, Jackie had delivered a stillborn daughter, Arabella.
The Series of Unfortunate Events in Edward Moore Kennedy’s Life
Edward Moore Kennedy, also known as Ted Kennedy, survived two deadly accidents but lived through traumatic events. In June 1964, he was one of the few survivors of a plane crash that left him with severe injuries, including broken ribs and internal bleeding. Five years later, he accidentally drove his car off a bridge, causing the death of passenger Mary Jo Kopechne.
The Assassination of John F. Kennedy
Perhaps the most infamous event associated with the Kennedy curse was the assassination of the 35th U.S. President, John F. Kennedy, on November 22, 1963. Lee Harvey Oswald shot and killed the president in Dallas, Texas, marking a pivotal moment in U.S. history.
The Death of Robert Kennedy
Adding to the disturbing string of events, John F. Kennedy’s brother, Robert Kennedy, was assassinated by Sirhan Sirhan shortly after winning the California primary. This unfortunate incident occurred less than four months following JFK’s untimely demise.
The Battle of Ted Kennedy Jr. with Cancer
Ted Kennedy Jr., the nephew of JFK, fought a battle with osteosarcoma during his childhood. This led to the amputation of his right leg in November 1973.
The Sudden Death of Michael LeMoyne Kennedy
Michael LeMoyne Kennedy, the sixth child of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, tragically died at the age of 39 in a skiing accident on New Year’s Eve. He lost control and crashed into a tree, which led to his instant death.
The Unforeseen Accident of John F. Kennedy Jr. & His Wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy
The sudden death of John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy, and her sister Lauren in a plane crash on July 16, 1999, left the world in shock. The book The Kennedy Curse: Why Tragedy Has Haunted America’s First Family for 150 Years suggests that Bessette had premonitions of a disastrous event involving the plane.
The Heart Attack of Kara Kennedy
Kara Kennedy, the daughter of Ted Kennedy, suffered a fatal heart attack at the age of 51, just two years after her father’s death. The incident occurred shortly after her regular workout session.
The Tragic Deaths of Saoirse Kennedy Hill, Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean & Her Son Gideon
In a chilling turn of events, RFK Jr’s granddaughter, Saoirse Kennedy Hill, died from an accidental overdose on August 1, 2019. Saoirse was a mental health advocate, writer, and activist whose memory continues to be cherished.
In the most recent tragedy involving the Kennedy family, Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean and her eight-year-old son Gideon vanished while canoeing in Shady Side, Maryland, in early 2020. A week later, both were found dead due to drowning.
The series of mishaps that the Kennedy family has experienced over the years is both shocking and disconcerting, giving rise to the belief in the infamous Kennedy Curse. While some dismiss this as mere coincidence, the series of tragic incidents involving the family members cannot be overlooked.
