Elder Statesman and Patriarch of the Kennedy Family Ted Kennedy Has Passed Away

Elder statesman and patriarch of the Kennedy family, United States Senator Edward "Ted" Kennedy, passed away last night from complications due to brain cancer. Kennedy was 77.

Kennedy's life of service was marred by repeated tragedy. He mourned the untimely death of three brothers and was the only one of the Kennedy sons to die of natural causes. Eldest brother Joe Kennedy, the family favorite for a future presidency was killed in a WWII plane crash. President John F. Kennedy was assasinated in 1963 in Love Field. Senator Robert F. "Bobby" Kennedy was assasinated during his campaign for the presidency in 1968. His beloved nephew, John F. Kennedy, Jr. died in a plane crash in 1999. Kennedy's sister, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, passed away earlier this month. In July of 1969, Kennedy was involved in a fatal accident in which he drove his car off a bridge in Martha's Vineyard. A young woman--not his wife--died in that accident; he failed to report the crash for 9 hours and was eventually found to be negligent in the crash.




Kennedy went on to challenge President Jimmy Carter for president in 1980, but removed himself from further consideration for the presidency in 1984 choosing instead to dedicate himself to service of the American people. He served 47 years in the senate alongside 10 presidents, including his brother, president John F. Kennedy, and was the third-longest serving senator in U.S. history. He authored or co-authored over 3000 pieces of legislation in the Senate including the 1990 Americans With Disabilities Act, Meals on Wheels for the Elderly and Terminally Ill, healthcare for children of working poor parents, abortion clinic access, the Medicare prescription drug benefit, the Family and Medical Leave Act, and OSHA. He was a vocal critic of the war in Iraq and advocated for peace in Ireland, his family's ancestral home.

Kennedy famously endorsed now President Barack Obama for president last year likening him to his late brother JFK. That endorsement was a key factor in swinging crucial support behind Obama leading to his decisive victory in the 2008 election. The Obamas had planned to visit Kennedy during his family's vacation on Martha's Vineyard, but it is thought they did not make it there on time. President Obama is said to be "heartbroken" over the loss of his friend and colleague and had this to say:

"I valued his wise counsel in the senate where, regardless of the swirl of events he always had time for a new colleague. I cherished his confidence and momentous support in my race for the presidency.



The Kennedy clan issued a statement:

"We've lost the irreplaceable center of our family and joyous light in our lives, but the inspiration of his faith, optimism, and perseverance will live on in our hearts forever," the statement said. "We thank everyone who gave him care and support over this last year, and everyone who stood with him for so many years in his tireless march for progress toward justice, fairness and opportunity for all."