JULY 18

On this date in 1969, a 28-year old lady named Mary Jo Kopechne drowned in a pond on Martha's Vineyard in Massachusetts.  Mary Jo was a secretary and part time political campaign worker.

She had been at a party on Chappaquiddick Island that included several political figures and their aides.  No one saw her leave the party nor did she tell anyone she was leaving.  She left her purse and keys behind at the party.

Senator Ted Kennedy says that some time after 11 pm, he offered to drive the young lady to the ferry landing so she could get to where she was staying on the other side of the island.  On the way, he drove his car off the side of an unlit bridge and it landed upside down in water.  He was able to escape but not the lady.  Kennedy did not report the accident to police but made his way to a motel. When the car was found the next morning, he gave them his story and said he was too shook up to think straight.  He also claimed he was not under the influence of alcohol.

Kopechne's parents refused to allow her body to be autopsied.  Kennedy received a short suspended sentence for leaving the scene of an accident.  John died being president, Robert died running for president and Ted drowned his chances to be president.

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