RFK’s granddaughter Kyle Kennedy dies at 42, six years after spinal cord injury
WESTWOOD, MASSACHUSETTS: Kyle Francis Kennedy, a granddaughter of former US Senator Robert F. Kennedy, has died at 42, six years after a severe spinal cord injury left her paralyzed.
The Massachusetts-based educator spent her later years navigating long-term medical challenges while raising her children and advocating for people with disabilities.
Her death on September 21 was announced on Tuesday, October 20.
🔥🚨 BREAKING — Kyle Francis Kennedy, granddaughter of Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died at 42. She passed away peacefully on September 21, 2026, at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, according to her obituary. Kennedy, an educator and advocate, had lived with long-term paralysis after a severe spinal cord injury in 2020 and had testified on disability issues. She is survived by her two sons and other family members. Prayers for the family.
— The Patriot Oasis™ (@ThePatriotOasis) October 20, 2026
Kyle Kennedy's death and paralysis
Kennedy died at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, according to an obituary published by Burke Funeral Homes.
She sustained a severe spinal cord injury in 2020, leaving her with long-term paralysis and additional medical challenges that significantly altered her life.
The injury brought an abrupt end to the physically active lifestyle she had previously enjoyed.
An accomplished runner, Kennedy completed the Boston Marathon in 2019 in heavy rain, finishing 20 minutes ahead of her father’s time.
She had also competed in soccer and lacrosse throughout her younger years.
In the years following her injury, Kennedy continued raising her two surviving sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10.
She also began speaking publicly about the difficulties faced by people living with disabilities, drawing on her own experiences to highlight problems within healthcare services.
Her advocacy took her to the Massachusetts State House, where she testified at a hearing addressing discrimination against people with disabilities in healthcare.
Her testimony formed part of her efforts to draw attention to the barriers faced by people seeking appropriate treatment and support.
Before the injury, Kennedy had established a career in education, focusing on improving learning opportunities for young children.
She began teaching in New York City through Teach For America before moving into educational reform and working with technology companies seeking to improve school curricula.
Kennedy’s academic background included a master’s degree in education policy and management from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education.
Her obituary described her as intellectually gifted, witty and devoted to her children.
Kyle Kennedy’s Difficult Last Few Years
Kennedy was one of 34 grandchildren of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy. She experienced profound personal loss long before her spinal cord injury.
Kyle Kennedy married Liam Kerr in August 2012 at Boston’s Fairmont Copley Plaza, and the couple welcomed twins, Conor and Josie.
However, their joy was short-lived, as Josie died just days after birth in 2014, leaving Kennedy to cope with the loss of her infant daughter.
Two years later, Kennedy and Kerr welcomed their son, Declan. Kerr is identified as Kennedy’s former husband in her obituary.
Kennedy is survived by her sons, her former husband, her mother, Victoria, her brother, Michael, and her sister, Rory, along with their respective families. Funeral services were held privately.
