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.
A 26-year-old man from Odenville has died following a motorcycle crash Thursday afternoon in Leeds, according to authorities.
The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office identified the victim as Toye Kyle Jackson, 26, of Odenville.
Officials said Jackson was operating a motorcycle that was involved in a collision with a motor vehicle.
According to preliminary information, the crash occurred at approximately 4:25 p.m. Thursday in the 7200 block of Elliot Lane in Leeds.
Jackson was the sole rider on the motorcycle at the time of the incident.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene and Jackson was transported to UAB Hospital in Birmingham for treatment of serious injuries.
Despite lifesaving efforts by medical personnel, he was pronounced dead at 5:22 p.m.
Authorities have not released additional details regarding the circumstances of the crash, including the condition of the driver of the other vehicle involved.
The Leeds Police Department is currently investigating the cause of the collision.
Officials say the investigation remains ongoing as they work to determine the events that led up to the crash.