Local News
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy, died at 96, grandson Joe Kennedy confirmed
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and a prominent human rights activist, died on Wednesday, October 9th, at the age of 96.
She suffered a stroke in her sleep on October 3rd, as confirmed by her grandson, Joe Kennedy, on social media. Despite receiving the best possible care and being surrounded by her family, she was unable to recover.
Ethel Kennedy was a matriarch of the Kennedy political dynasty, giving birth to eleven children, including Rory, who was born six months after her husband’s assassination in 1968.
In the aftermath of her husband’s death, she founded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights foundation in October 1968. The organization continues to promote human rights and public service worldwide.
Her daughter, Kerry, praised her mother for her unwavering commitment to justice and her work with human rights defenders around the globe.
Born in Chicago in 1928, Ethel Kennedy grew up in Greenwich, Connecticut. She met her future husband, Bobby Kennedy, when she was just 17 years old. The couple married in 1950 and actively campaigned for John F. Kennedy’s presidential campaign in 1960.
After Bobby Kennedy’s assassination in 1968, Ethel continued her involvement in human rights activism. She co-chaired the Coalition of Gun Control and participated in numerous other organizations dedicated to social justice.
President Obama honored Ethel Kennedy with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2014, recognizing her extraordinary contributions to human rights and her perseverance in the face of tragedy.
The Kennedy family has endured several personal losses over the years, including the deaths of two of Ethel’s children and her nephew, John F. Kennedy Jr.
Ethel Kennedy is survived by nine of her children and a large extended family, many of whom are also involved in public service. Her eldest son, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., ran for president in 2024 but ultimately dropped out to support former President Donald Trump.
The family of Matt Sweets has confirmed his passing after a valiant fight for life in the intensive care unit, where he was being treated for critical burn injuries sustained in the UPS Flight 2976 plane crash near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
In a heartfelt statement, Matt’s sister Michelle Sweets expressed deep gratitude for the community’s compassion and support:
“I want to thank everyone who has reached out with kind words and well wishes to me and my family regarding my brother, Matt Sweets. It is with the heaviest heart that I share he passed away this afternoon after fighting his hardest in the ICU. The outpouring of love and concern from our community has been truly touching. We’ll share information about arrangements in the next day or two. For now, please keep his girlfriend, Brooke, and his two young children in your prayers, as well as the rest of our family.”
Matt was among those severely injured in the November 4, 2025, crash when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft plummeted shortly after takeoff, erupting into a massive fireball that engulfed several buildings near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
The disaster claimed at least 13 lives, including the three UPS crew members onboard, while 16 individuals remain unaccounted for. Officials have warned that the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue.
According to relatives, Matt initially survived the impact but suffered third-degree burns covering approximately 95% of his body.
Despite undergoing intensive treatment and multiple surgeries, his injuries proved too severe.
Before his passing, friends and family launched a community fundraiser to support Brooke Murray, Matt’s longtime partner, and their two young children.
The campaign aimed to alleviate financial burdens caused by mounting medical costs and loss of household income while Matt remained hospitalized.
“Matt is a fighter,” the campaign description read. “We are holding on to every bit of hope and faith that God gives us. He has a long road ahead, but we are believing for his healing.”
Donations were designated to cover essential living expenses, including rent, groceries, and utilities, allowing the family to focus on Matt’s recovery. Following his passing, those funds will now be used to assist Brooke and the children as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
Meanwhile, Governor Andy Beshear described the crash as “catastrophic,” extending condolences to the victims’ families and commending first responders for their tireless efforts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to lead the investigation.
Preliminary findings suggest the plane’s left engine detached from the wing shortly after takeoff, leading to the fiery crash.
Local authorities have also issued a fraud alert, warning families to be cautious of scammers posing as investigators and demanding money in exchange for information about missing loved ones.
Anyone receiving such messages is urged to contact Louisville Metro Police at (502) 574-LMPD (5673) and refrain from sending payments.
As Louisville mourns one of its most devastating aviation tragedies, the community continues to rally around the victims’ families — especially Brooke Murray and her children, who are now facing life without the man they loved.
“Matt and Brooke are loved by so many,” the fundraiser page concludes. “Please keep them in your prayers and help us support this family as they face the most difficult chapter of their lives. Matt’s courage and strength will never be forgotten.”