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The Kennedy family has been no stranger to tragedy over the years.
With a legacy deeply rooted in politics and entertainment, the Kennedys have become a symbol of American prominence. However, alongside their achievements, the family has often been in the spotlight for the numerous untimely and tragic deaths that have struck their ranks, sparking widespread speculation and concern.
This series of misfortunes has led some to theorize about a so-called “Kennedy Curse,” a mysterious explanation for the series of heartbreaking accidents that have befallen many of its members.
For an in-depth look at the family’s somber history, continue reading:
Being a Kennedy is far from ordinary. From the legacy of the late President John F. Kennedy to the family’s various roles as politicians, lawyers, and authors, the Massachusetts-based dynasty has consistently captured public attention. This includes the enduring myth of a Kennedy Curse, which continues to intrigue and captivate many.
Joseph P. Kennedy Jr.’s Death
President John F. Kennedy‘s brother Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. died at age 29 in a 1944 plane crash while serving in the United States Navy during World War II.
Kathleen Kennedy’s Death
Four years later, President John F. Kennedy’s sister Kathleen Kennedy died at age 29 in a plane crash.
John F. Kennedy’s Death
Senator John F. Kennedy and fiance Jacqueline Bouvier go sailing while on vacation at the Kennedy compound in June 1953 in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts. Hy Peskin/Getty Images
During his time in office, President John F. Kennedy was shot by Lee Harvey Oswald in 1963. JFK, who was 46 at the time of his death, was riding in the presidential motorcade alongside wife Jacqueline Kennedy before being fatally shot.
Robert F. Kennedy’s Death
President John F. Kennedy’s brother Robert F. Kennedy was assassinated after giving a victory speech while on the presidential campaign trail in 1969.
Ted Kennedy’s Accident
Ted Kennedy waited 10 hours before reporting an accident in 1969 that involved him fatally injuring 28-year-old Mary Jo Kopechne. Ted later claimed he tried to help Kopechne before her tragic death.
David Kennedy’s Death
Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s son David Kennedy died of a drug overdose at age 28 in 1984.
Michael Kennedy’s Death
Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s son Michael Kennedy was 39 when he died in a skiing accident over New Year’s Eve in 1997
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy’s Deaths
John F. Kennedy Jr., Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy Justin Ide/Boston Herald/Getty Images
John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette met in the early 1990s and got married in 1996. They died three years later in 1999 in a plane crash off the coast of Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
The nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., comes from a long line of acclaimed politicians. The presidential candidate was born in 1954 to Robert F. Kennedy Sr. and Ethel Kennedy and has 11 siblings: Joseph, Kerry, Courtney, Rory, David, Kathleen, Michael, Max, Douglas and Christopher. (David and Michael passed […]
Mary Kennedy’s Death
Following a divorce and ongoing custody battle, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s estranged wife Mary Richardson Kennedy died by suicide at age 52 in 2012.
Saoirse Kennedy Hill’s Death
Robert and Ethel’s granddaughter Saoirse Kennedy Hill died of an accidental overdose at her family’s Massachusetts estate at age 22 in 2019.
Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean’s Death
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s granddaughter Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean and her young son, Gideon, went missing in 2020 after a canoeing accident. Their bodies were discovered that same month.
Tatiana Schlossberg’s Death
Tatiana Schlossberg Ben Stansall/AFP via Getty Image
Caroline Kennedy’s daughter, Tatiana Schlossberg, died in December 2025 following a terminal cancer diagnosis. She was 35.