Robert F. Kennedy Granddaughter Revealed Depression Struggle Years Before Overdose

Robert F. Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy’s granddaughter, Saoirse Kennedy Hill, has tragically died after suffering a reported overdose at the family compound on Thursday, August 1.

The 22-year-old was staying at her family’s Hyannis Port estate when she was found unresponsive, according to TMZ. Hill was in cardiac arrest when the paramedics arrived, which was around 2:30 p.m., but they were not able to resuscitate her.

She is the daughter of Courtney Kennedy, RFK’s fifth child, and Paul Michael Hill. Her death also comes just a few years after she wrote an article for her private boarding school’s (Deerfield Academy) newspaper about her struggles.

“My depression took root in the beginning of my middle school years and will be with me for the rest of my life. Although I was mostly a happy child, I suffered bouts of deep sadness that felt like a heavy boulder on my chest,” Hill wrote back in February 2016.

“These bouts would come and go, but they did not outwardly affect me until I was a new sophomore at Deerfield.” Her depression caused her to pull away from her friends and family, as she just wanted to spend time alone.

“We all know that some people find winter at Deerfield lonely, dark, and long. I began isolating myself in my room, pulling away from my relationships, and giving up on schoolwork. During the last few weeks of spring term, my sadness surrounded me constantly,” she shared.

“But that summer after my sophomore year, my friend depression rarely came around anymore, and I was thankful for her absence.”

She hoped that by speaking out about her struggles it would help other students suffering from mental illness. “Many people are suffering, but because many people feel uncomfortable talking about it, no one is aware of the sufferers,” she continued.

“This leaves people feeling even more alone. Since I spoke about this issue at [a] school meeting, I have had countless people approach me, telling me that they, too, are struggling and would love to be more open about it.”

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Kennedy family during this very difficult time. The family has suffered greatly over the decades, as tragedy has taken far too many of them far too soon.