Robert F. Kennedy’s Granddaughter Kyle Kennedy Dies at 42 at Massachusetts Home

Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died at the age of 42.

Kennedy, one of the late couple’s 34 grandchildren, died at her home in Westwood, MA, on Sept. 21, according to her obituary.

The Westwood Town Clerk confirmed to People that her cause of death remains pending. Born on July 6, 1984, in Washington, DC, Kennedy was the daughter of Michael Kennedy, who died in 1997, and Victoria Denise Gifford.

Her mother is the daughter of the late NFL star Frank Gifford and his first wife, Maxine Avis Ewart, making television personality Kathie Lee Gifford her stepgrandmother.

Throughout her life, Kennedy was dedicated to early childhood education and advocating for individuals living with disabilities, according to her obituary.

After earning a bachelor's degree in history from Georgetown University, Kennedy began her teaching career with Teach For America in New York City.

She went on to earn a Master of Science in early childhood education from Pace University and a Master of Education in education policy and management from Harvard University's Graduate School of Education.

In 2012, Kennedy married Liam Kerr, with whom she welcomed three children. The couple first welcomed twins Conor and Josie, but their daughter tragically died just days after her birth. Two years later, they welcomed their youngest son, Declan. Kennedy's obituary identifies Kerr as her former husband.

In 2020, Kennedy sustained a spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed, an experience that inspired her to become an advocate for people living with disabilities.

She went on to speak out about the challenges facing the disability community, including testifying at the Massachusetts State House during a hearing addressing discrimination in health care against people with disabilities.

Kennedy is survived by her two sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10; her mother, Victoria; her brother, Michael; her sister, Rory; and her nieces and nephews, McKie, Quinn, Jack, and Caleb.