Chappaquiddick Incident

The Chappaquiddick incident occurred in 1969 when Senator Edward Kennedy's car left a bridge on Chappaquiddick Island in Massachusetts, crashing into a water-filled burial pit. Kennedy's passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, drowned before help arrived. Kennedy did not immediately report the accident, and questions arose about his actions and responsibilities. The incident significantly impacted Kennedy's political career and public perception, highlighting issues of accountability and political privilege.