Mary Richardson Kennedy's Sister Blames RFK Jr. for Her Suicide Just Hours After Tragedy (Exclusive)

Mary Richardson Kennedys sister has publicly held RFK Jr responsible for her tragic death just hours after it occurred, revealing new details about family tensions and personal struggles in the wake of her passing.

The forthcoming book RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise by investigative journalist Isabel Vincent provides new insights into the 2012 suicide of Mary Richardson Kennedy, who was the second wife of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Vincent's work draws on personal journals of RFK Jr., which he shared with the author almost a year after Mary’s death, shedding light on previously undisclosed details.

Events Leading to the Divorce

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. initiated divorce proceedings against Mary Richardson Kennedy on May 12, 2010. The following months were marked by intense difficulties for Mary. Three days after the filing, she was arrested for driving under the influence, ultimately pleading guilty. This resulted in a suspension of her driver’s license and a court-ordered addiction assessment.

Mary did not want the divorce and feared losing custody of their four children: Conor, Aidan, Kyra, and William. She began attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in an effort to maintain sobriety. In addition, she reviewed RFK Jr.’s diaries extensively, confronting the challenges of a long-term marriage and perceived infidelity, according to the biography.

The Day of Mary’s Death

On May 16, 2012, Mary Richardson Kennedy was found dead in the barn at her Bedford, New York residence at around 1:30 pm. Sources close to the family indicated that she had been sober and resisting RFK Jr.’s attempts to influence the divorce proceedings. Earlier that day, RFK Jr. contacted Mary’s friend Shannon White due to concerns she might harm herself. White and RFK Jr. discovered Mary’s body together.

Family Reactions

Hours after Mary’s death, her siblings arrived at the home, where they encountered RFK Jr. and his brother Christopher. When asked to leave, Mary’s siblings refused. At that time, her sister Nan Richardson told RFK Jr., “You have killed my sister.” Vincent describes the family’s reaction in the biography, noting significant anger and a sense of insensitivity toward Mary’s situation. The tension was evident in their decisions not to attend the funeral and to exclude RFK Jr. from a private memorial organized by the Richardson family.

Medical and Psychological Observations

The Medical Examiner’s report revealed that Mary’s fingers were trapped between her neck and the noose, raising questions from her doctor about whether the death was intentional. The biography details Mary’s final months, including struggles related to:

• The impending divorce from RFK Jr.
• Custody disputes and financial disagreements
• Efforts to maintain sobriety while navigating personal challenges

Broader Context and Legacy

The book also explores RFK Jr.’s personal history, including the impact of his father’s assassination in 1968, his own past struggles with addiction, and the complexities of the Kennedy family legacy. Vincent conducted more than ten years of research, examining his journals to understand his perspective. Despite Mary’s passing, she remains an important figure in his life.

Publication Information

RFK, Jr.: The Fall and Rise is scheduled for publication on April 14 and is available for preorder through major retailers.

Mental Health Resources

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health difficulties, emotional distress, or substance use challenges, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988, or access support online at 988lifeline.org.

Sources:

• People
• Daily Mail
• Fox News
• Hours After Mary Richardson Kennedy’s Suicide, Her Sister Told RFK Jr. It Was His Fault (Exclusive)