Profile of the Day: John F. Kennedy, Jr.

John F. Kennedy, Jr.

Today we remember John F. Kennedy, Jr., who was born on this day in 1960.

The second child of John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy, John Jr. was born just two weeks after his father was elected the 35th President of the United States, thus becoming the first child ever born to a president-elect.

Just days before his third birthday, his father was assassinated while traveling in a motorcade. His funeral was held three days later on John Jr.’s third birthday. For most, the most prominent image from that day may be the iconic photo of a three-year-old John saluting his father’s casket. His small gesture captured the hearts of the American public until his death at the age of 38.

He died on July 16, 1999 after the light aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Martha’s Vineyard. His wife, Carolyn, and his sister-in-law, Lauren Bessette, also perished in the crash. The trio were returning home after attending the wedding of John’s cousin, Rory Kennedy.

Explore John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s family tree to discover how you’re related!
 

View John F. Kennedy, Jr.’s Geni Profile

Image: NASA