Kyle Kennedy cause of death: Robert F. Kennedy's granddaughter dies at 42-here's what we know about her spinal cord injury and how she passed away

Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Robert F. “Bobby” Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, has died at 42. The educator and disability rights advocate died at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, on September 21, according to her obituary. Kyle had been living with the effects of a severe spinal cord injury she suffered in 2020, which left her with long-term paralysis.

What was Kyle Kennedy’s cause of death?

Kyle died at her home in Westwood on September 21. She was 42. PEOPLE reported that the Westwood town clerk confirmed her cause of death was still pending. No further information about the circumstances of her death has been released.


Kyle was the daughter of Michael Kennedy, the sixth of Robert and Ethel Kennedy’s 11 children, and Victoria Denise Gifford. She was 13 when her father died on New Year’s Eve in 1997 after skiing into a tree during a game of football on skis with other members of the Kennedy family.

Losing her father at such a young age was a major event in Kyle’s life. In the years that followed, she pursued a career in education and became known for her efforts to help others.

How did Kyle Kennedy’s spinal cord injury change her life?

Kyle Kennedy's spinal cord injury in 2020 left her with long term paralysis. She later used her experience to speak up for people with disabilities and the challenges they face in life. She told stories about the daily struggles people with disabilities endure. She used her voice to make sure people on the outside hear their needs.

One issue she focused on was access to health care. She pointed out how hard it can be for people, with disabilities to get the help they need. Kyle testified at a hearing at the Massachusetts State House about discrimination against people with disabilities when they seek medical treatment.

Her work also reflected a long-standing interest in education and equal opportunities. Her obituary described her as “a passionate advocate for more equitable elementary education and charter schooling.”

Kyle worked with technology companies that wanted to make school lessons better. She also helped teachers who worked with kids. She showed them how to help children learn during the years of school.