Ethel Kennedy faced unimaginable heartbreak throughout her life. Among the many tragedies she endured was the sudden loss of two of her sons. Take a closer look at the heartbreaking deaths of David and Michael Kennedy.
Ethel Kennedy, the wife of the late Senator Robert F. Kennedy, was a prominent figure in American history, known for her unwavering commitment to social justice and her strength in the face of family tragedies.
Ethel and Robert F. Kennedy boarding a plane for San Juan, Puerto Rico, in March 1966. | Source: Getty Images
Born into a political dynasty, she married into one of the most iconic American families. She and Robert raised 11 children, navigating both the highs of public service and the lows of personal loss.
Despite her remarkable resilience, Ethel was no stranger to heartache, having tragically lost two of her sons — David and Michael Kennedy — in sudden and devastating circumstances.
Ethel Kennedy at the Restore Ball in New York City on September 28, 1970. | Source: Getty Images
David, the fourth of Ethel’s children, led a life deeply affected by trauma. At just 13 years old, he witnessed the assassination of his father on live television, an event that haunted him for the rest of his life.
Despite his promising beginnings, the emotional toll of his father’s death led David down a path of addiction. On April 25, 1984, he was found dead in his hotel room in Palm Beach, Florida, at 28.
David and Chris Kennedy watching a tennis match with their cousin, Ted Kennedy Jr., on August 25, 1974. | Source: Getty Images
He had struggled with drug and alcohol addiction for many years, and while his cause of death wasn’t immediately clear, investigators eventually ruled out suicide.
There were ”no signs of foul play,” said Sergeant Henry L. Marchman, spokesman for the Police Department of Palm Beach. The results of a preliminary autopsy tonight were being studied, as officials suspected it was an accidental overdose.
David Kennedy at the Democratic National Convention on July 15, 1976, in New York. | Source: Getty Images
David, who resided in Boston, traveled to Palm Beach to visit his grandmother, Rose Kennedy, who was in poor health. His body was discovered by a hotel secretary, Elizabeth Barnett, around 11:30 a.m. after a family member called to check if he had left for his flight.
When there was no response from his room phone, the hotel staff were instructed to investigate, according to hotel spokesman Gerald H. Beebe Jr.
David Kennedy in New York in 1984. | Source: Getty Images
The spokesman noted that hotel staff had seen David the previous Tuesday, describing him as being in good spirits. A desk clerk even recalled him waving as he passed the front desk.
David’s uncle, Senator Edward Kennedy, reflected on his nephew’s troubled life, stating, “We all pray that David has finally found the peace that he did not find in life.” The Kennedy family were no strangers to tragedy and mourned deeply, but the heartbreak did not end there.
Members of the Kennedy family escorted by Ethel Kennedy carrying the casket of David Kennedy from the hearse to the Kennedy House on May 4, 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Thirteen years later, in 1997, another devastating blow struck Ethel when her son Michael died in a skiing accident. Known for his adventurous spirit, Michael was skiing in Aspen, Colorado, when he collided with a tree, resulting in his immediate death at 39.
Michael Kennedy and Vicky Gifford at Attorney Roy Cohn’s birthday party in New York City on February 22, 1981. | Source: Getty Images
Michael had faced controversy in the years leading up to his death due to an alleged affair with the family’s babysitter. The scandal even affected his brother Joseph P. Kennedy II’s political aspirations.
Tallulah Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, opens up about her recent diagnosis.
Tallulah Willis, the youngest daughter of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis, has revealed her autism diagnosis, inspired in part by her father’s courageous battle with frontotemporal dementia
In a heartfelt social media post, the 30-year-old shared a childhood memory of her dad carrying her on the red carpet, hinting at a personal revelation about her adult diagnosis.
A Candid Moment on Instagram
Tallulah, one of three daughters of Bruce Willis, 69, and Demi Moore, 61, posted a nostalgic video of herself as a child, playfully engaging with her father at a film premiere.
Encouraging her 408,000 followers to participate in the conversation, she captioned the March 15th clip: “Tell me you’re autistic without telling me you’re autistic [sic].”
Fans quickly responded, expressing admiration for the sweet father-daughter moment while others, familiar with autism traits, noted her behaviors and Bruce’s gentle reaction.
“Your dad is truly special, and so are you. The way he stayed calm and just kept holding you is beautiful,” one user commented. Another added, “In your defense, shaved heads can be just as soothing as a Japanese Zen garden.”
A third wrote, “His concern for your feelings is pure magic. I’m so glad you have these moments captured forever.”
Tallulah’s Diagnosis
One of the most notable responses came from a psychologist specializing in neurodivergent conditions, who asked if she had been diagnosed as a child.
Tallulah replied, “This is the first time I’m sharing my diagnosis publicly. I found out this summer, and it has completely changed my life.”
Her response resonated with many, as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often diagnosed in childhood, but many—especially women—go undiagnosed until adulthood.
Recognizing Stimming
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) describes ASD as a developmental condition that affects communication, social interactions, and often includes repetitive behaviors or specific interests.
Tallulah’s sister, Scout LaRue Willis, 32, commented on the video, noting that her younger sister was “stimming”—a term used to describe repetitive movements or actions that help individuals with autism regulate sensory experiences.
“Dude, the ear curl,” Tallulah responded, pointing out the moment she playfully folded her father’s ear, which made him smile. “I wish we had better audio.”
Supporting Bruce Willis
Tallulah, Scout, and their older sister Rumer Willis, 35, have been a pillar of love and support for their father as he faces aphasia and frontotemporal dementia (FTD).
Bruce’s wife, Emma Heming Willis, has also shared touching insights into his character, writing, “Being in his arms is the safest place in the world. He’s a true gentleman, full of love to give and share. That’s the Bruce I see every day.”
At this time, Tallulah has not shared further details about her diagnosis, but her openness has sparked meaningful conversations about autism awareness and late diagnoses.
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