Michael L. Kennedy, brother of Rep. Joseph P. Kennedy and Lt. Gov. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend and son of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, was killed in a skiing accident in Aspen, Colo., yesterday afternoon.
Kennedy suffered a major head injury when he crashed into a tree while downhill skiing with unidentified family members about 4 p.m.
"Ethel Kennedy and her family are mourning the loss of their beloved Michael, who was fatally injured while skiing with his family in Aspen," according to a statement released by the family last night. "He was a special and wonderful father, son, brother, cousin, and friend, and his family would appreciate your prayers during this tragic time. The Kennedy family also requests that the public and the press respect their privacy during this very difficult moment."
Joseph Kennedy said in a statement: "Michael's death is a terrible tragedy for his children and the entire family. We will miss him dearly."
In a statement late last night, Gov. Parris N. Glendening said: "This is a terrible tragedy, and I was greatly saddened when I learned the devastating news about Michael Kennedy. On behalf of all Marylanders, our thoughts and prayers go out tonight to Kathleen, her husband, David, their four daughters, and the extended Kennedy family.
A spokesman for the Kennedy family told a reporter yesterday at Aspen Valley Hospital that Kennedy "hit a tree today. He's in very bad condition."
Kennedy was pronounced dead at the hospital at 5:50 p.m.
Kennedy's mother, Ethel, and other family members were at his bedside.
Kennedy was taken to the hospital by ambulance from Aspen Mountain at 4:14 p.m., according to John Norton, vice president of the Aspen Skiing Co., which runs the mountain's ski patrol.
Norton said Kennedy was skiing the Copper Bowl section of Aspen Mountain.
A local Catholic priest, the Rev. Lawrence Solan, was seen entering the hospital emergency room of the hospital at 6:20 p.m., carrying a Bible and a purple stole commonly used when last rites are administered to the dying. He left at 7 p.m., and declined to comment.
The scene in the hospital's emergency room was described by (( one observer as "very somber, very tense. Everybody is distraught."
According to one family source, Kennedy was conscious after the accident and might have initially refused medical treatment.
