Kyle Kennedy, the granddaughter of Bobby and Ethel Kennedy, passed away at her home on September 21 at the age of 42.
The educator and activist died in her residence in Westwood, Massachusetts, as noted in a heartfelt obituary posted online.
The cause of her death hasn’t been revealed.
🕊️ Robert F. Kennedy’s granddaughter Kyle Kennedy has died at 42. What we know: https://t.co/QOVdthArcA https://t.co/8klrtWfMHV
— TMZ (@TMZ) October 20, 2026
Kennedy was born on July 6, 1984, in Washington, D.C., to Michael and Victoria Denise Gifford.
Her obituary highlights her commitment to early childhood education, where she focused on reform for underprivileged children and individuals with disabilities.
In 2012, she married Liam Kerr and the couple had three children. Sadly, their daughter Josie passed away shortly after her birth. They welcomed their son, Declan, two years later. Interestingly, the obituary referred to Kerr as her “former husband.”
Kyle Kennedy, RFK’s granddaughter, dies at 42 – years after suffering tragic injury https://t.co/Vw8z64vwZl https://t.co/0EFYDC5w8z
— New York Post (@nypost) October 20, 2026
Her obituary described her as “naturally fast and competitive.”
It shared fond memories of her childhood, noting how she was often seen outrunning her peers on playgrounds, soccer fields, and lacrosse courts, while also displaying her competitive spirit in games like trivial pursuit.
As an adult, she developed a love for long-distance running, famously completing the Boston Marathon in 2019 amidst a torrential downpour, finishing twenty minutes faster than her father.
Robert F Kennedy’s granddaughter Kyle dies at New England home aged just 42 https://t.co/1hcGydCqZp https://t.co/VxKFC5lxM5
— Daily Mail US (@Daily_MailUS) October 20, 2026
In 2020, she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her with long-term paralysis. This experience fueled her dedication to advocate for people with disabilities.
Her obituary reflected, “The years that followed brought struggles but Kyle fought to maintain her dry wit and determination through it all, aiming to be the best possible mother to her sons and caring for her two beloved, mischievous Wheaten terriers.” (RELATED: ‘Office Space’ Actor Richard Riehle Dead At 78)
Kennedy is survived by her two sons, Conor (12) and Declan (10); her former husband, Liam; her mother, Victoria; her brother Michael and his wife Mary with their children; as well as her sister Rory and her husband David along with their kids.
A private funeral service was conducted.
