Ethel Kennedy's Cause of Death: Details on Stroke Complications

Ethel Kennedy, mother of 11 children, human rights advocate and widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died on October 10, according to her grandson.

The matriarch of the Kennedy family was 96 years old. She lost her husband, former U.S. Attorney General and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, to an assassin's bullet in 1968, six months before the last of their 11 children was born.

Kennedy was the mother of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who ran for president in 2024 before suspending his campaign in late August and supporting Republican nominee Donald Trump.

“It is with our hearts full of love that we announce the passing of our great grandmother Ethel Kennedy,” her grandson, Rep. Joe Kennedy III, wrote in a statement on X. “Along with a life’s work of social justice and humanity.” Our mother leaves behind nine children , 34 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her very much.

How did Ethel Kennedy die?

Kennedy's grandson, Massachusetts Rep. Joe Kennedy III, wrote in his statement that his grandmother died of “complications related to a stroke she suffered last week.”

Ethel Kennedy was hospitalized after suffering a stroke in her sleep last week, Joe Kennedy III said in a statement Oct. 8. The family was at her bedside in the hospital, Kennedy III said.

“She is comfortable, receiving the best care possible and surrounded by her family,” the statement said. “She is, as you may know, a strong woman who has lived a remarkably full life. We are here and we will take care of them.”

What are complications of a stroke?

The family's statement did not elaborate on what exact complications Kennedy suffered following her stroke.

According to the American Stroke Association, the most common complications of a stroke can include:

• swelling of the brain
• pneumonia
• Seizures
• Ulcers
• Shoulder pain
• Deep vein thrombosis

Treatment includes medication, physical therapy, proper nutrition and respiratory therapy.