Kyle Kennedy Death Certificate Lists Cause as Pending

A death investigation involving the Kennedy family remains unresolved after a death certificate listed the cause of Kyle Kennedy's death as pending. Kennedy, 42, the daughter of Michael Kennedy and granddaughter of Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy, died at her home in Westwood, Massachusetts, on September 21, according to a report by PEOPLE.

The death certificate obtained by PEOPLE states that Kennedy's immediate cause of death is pending and that the manner of death remains under investigation. The document does not establish a cause of death.

Kennedy's life in the years before her death included a major health challenge that led her to advocate for disability rights. A severe spinal cord injury in 2020 left her experiencing long-term paralysis, according to PEOPLE.

Following the injury, Kennedy became an advocate for people with disabilities. She testified at the Massachusetts State House during a hearing addressing discrimination in health care against people with disabilities, the publication reported.

Kennedy was born on July 6, 1984, in Washington, D.C. She was one of the 34 grandchildren of Robert F. Kennedy, commonly known as Bobby Kennedy, and Ethel Kennedy.

Her father, Michael Kennedy, died in 1997. Her mother, Victoria Denise Gifford, is the daughter of former NFL star Frank Gifford and Maxine Avis Ewart. Victoria is also the stepdaughter of television personality Kathie Lee Gifford, according to PEOPLE.

Kennedy pursued higher education at three institutions. She earned a history degree from Georgetown University, a master's degree in early education from Pace University, and a master's degree in education policy and management from Harvard University.

Her educational background preceded her career as an educator. Her later advocacy focused on challenges faced by people living with disabilities, particularly discrimination in health care.

Kennedy married Liam Kerr in 2012 at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. The couple had three children, including twins Conor and Josie. Their daughter Josie died days after birth, according to PEOPLE.

Two years later, Kennedy and Kerr welcomed their son Declan. Her obituary referred to Kerr as her former husband, while the death certificate recorded her marital status as divorced.

Kennedy is survived by her sons, Conor, 12, and Declan, 10, along with her mother, brother Michael, sister Rory, and nieces and nephews McKie, Quinn, Jack, and Caleb, according to the publication.