Robert F. Kennedy, commonly known as Bobby Kennedy, died on June 5, 1968, at age 42. He was shot after winning the California Democratic presidential primary and succumbed to his wounds the following day at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles. Born on November 20, 1925, he lived 42 years, 6 months, and 16 days. This profile explains his age at death, the key dates of his life and assassination, and the enduring impact of his brief public career. Below are the verified facts, timeline, and contextual details needed to understand this moment in history.
Key Dates in Bobby Kennedy’s Life
Understanding the chronology of Bobby Kennedy’s life clarifies his age at death and the brevity of his public service. From his early years to his presidential campaign in 1968, each phase contributed to his enduring legacy. The table summarizes the most salient verified dates, from birth to death, including pivotal career milestones that shaped his historical standing.
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| November 20, 1925 | Born in Brookline, Massachusetts | Establishes baseline for age calculations and historical context |
| June 5, 1968 (afternoon) | Shot in Los Angeles after primary victory | Marks the event that led to his death at age 42 |
| June 6, 1968 (1:44 a.m.) | Declared dead at Good Samaritan Hospital | Confirms age at death and time of passing |
| 1964–1968 | U.S. Senator from New York | Significant public service period before candidacy |
| March–June 1968 | Democratic presidential campaign | Active primary season when fatally shot |
Age at Death: Detailed Breakdown
Bobby Kennedy was 42 years old at the time of his death. He was born on November 20, 1925, and died on June 6, 1968, after being shot the previous afternoon. His age reflects 42 years, 6 months, and 16 days. Because he died within a month of his birthday in November, he had not yet turned 43. This age is consistent across authoritative biographies and official records, including hospital reports and contemporaneous news coverage that documented the timeline precisely.
Circumstances of Death and Immediate Timeline
Bobby Kennedy’s death resulted from gunshot wounds sustained during a televised campaign event in Los Angeles. The sequence of events, measured in hours, helps clarify the factual basis for his age at death and the rapid progression from shooting to hospitalization. Below is a concise timeline of the shooting and medical response, drawn from verified reports and official timelines.
- June 5, 1968, approximately 12:15 a.m. (local): Shot in the Ambassador Hotel’s kitchen area after addressing supporters.
- June 5, 1968, shortly after: Emergency medical care initiated at the scene; rushed to Good Samaritan Hospital.
- June 5, 1968, approximately 1:30 a.m.: Surgeons report critical condition; five hours post-shooting, he remains in intensive care.
- June 6, 1968, 1:44 a.m.: Officially pronounced dead; age recorded as 42 years at time of death.
Medical and Legal Context
The medical and legal context surrounding Bobby Kennedy’s death helps explain the immediate verification of his age at death. Pronouncement by hospital staff and subsequent certification followed standard emergency protocols. Autopsy findings confirmed the cause as multiple gunshot wounds, and law enforcement documentation corroborated the timeline. These records collectively affirm the reported age and circumstances without ambiguity.
Comparison With Contemporaries
Comparing Bobby Kennedy’s age at death with key figures from the same era highlights the impact of his early passing. Many prominent political leaders of the 1960s lived into later decades, but his life was cut short at 42 during a period of intense political activity. The following table summarizes these comparisons, using verified ages at death or current status where applicable to maintain factual accuracy.
| Figure | Age at Death (or Current Age) | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Robert F. Kennedy (Bobby Kennedy) | 42 | Deceased |
| John F. Kennedy (Brother) | 46 | Deceased |
| Martin Luther King Jr. | 39 | Deceased |
| Lyndon B. Johnson | 64 | Deceased |
Legacy and Public Memory
Bobby Kennedy’s age at death contributes to a legacy often characterized by potential unfulfilled. Because he died at 42, his public career spanned just over a decade in prominent office, yet it influenced policy discussions and political discourse for decades. Memorials, biographies, and scholarly work consistently reference his age as a poignant element of his story. Understanding this detail supports a factual, enduring explanation of who he was and when his life ended.
Historical Context and Influence
Placing his age at death within the broader civil rights, political, and social changes of the 1960s clarifies why it remains significant. He was in the midst of a presidential campaign when fatally shot, and his death intensified a year already marked by turmoil. This context explains why his age at death remains a fixed data point in historical timelines, biographies, and public memory. Future reference sources will likely continue to cite 42 as his age at death in accordance with verified records.
Frequently Asked Questions
A concise set of frequently asked questions can help clarify common points of interest about Bobby Kennedy’s age at death. These answers are grounded in documented evidence and widely accepted timelines to support accuracy and consistency across references.
- When was Bobby Kennedy born? — November 20, 1925.
- When did Bobby Kennedy die? — June 6, 1968.
- How old was Bobby Kennedy when he died? — 42 years old.
- What was the cause of death? — Gunshot wounds from an assassination.
- Where did he die? — Pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital in Los Angeles.
These details form a stable factual foundation that remains relevant for research, education, and public reference. The clarity of dates, age, and context supports long-term usefulness and reinforces trust in the information provided.
For ongoing reference, this explanation consolidates verified data on Bobby Kennedy’s age at death, surrounding timeline, and related comparisons. The structured format emphasizes durable understanding with minimal reliance on transitory context, making it suitable for repeated consultation and citation.