Kerry Kennedy 'Heartbroken' After Dog Dies in 'Terrifying and Violent' Attack Hours After Mom Ethel's Death

Mar. 15, 2025

Kerry Kennedy’s dog Bellini (left) and Kerry Kennedy and Ethel Kennedy.Photo:Kerry Kennedy/x; 2020 Robert F. Kennedy Ripple Of Hope Award Gala/Getty

Kerry Kennedy/x; 2020 Robert F. Kennedy Ripple Of Hope Award Gala/Getty

Kerry Kennedyrecently revealed her dog was killed in a “terrifying and violent” attack in Hyannis Port, Mass., just hours after her mom, Ethel Kennedy, died.

On Oct. 24, Kerry shared on social media that her family dog, Bellini, died on Thursday, Oct. 10, the same dayEthel died, at age 96,from complications related to a stroke.

In an emotional post sharedon X(formerly known as Twitter), Kerry wrote, “A few hours after my Mum passed, I returned home to Hyannis Port, whereMichaela [Kennedy-Cuomo] and I took Bellini for a walk on the beach. Out of nowhere, a neighborhood dog charged, attacked, and killed Bellini.”

“It was terrifying and violent beyond words. The only sense I could make of it is that Mum wanted a companion for her journey, and she received the very best in Bellini,” the lawyer added, sharing multiple pics of the pup, who has appeared in many of her social media posts.

“Reflecting on the episode, I am heartbroken to have lost my beautiful companion, and I also am grateful to have a neighbor who was kind to me in the aftermath and who, instead of taking the easy stance of defensiveness, denial and blame, took the hard decision for the greater good. I feel sad, but I also know I am blessed,” she added.

Kerry Kennedy with her dog Bellini.Kerry Kennedy/x

Kerry Kennedy/x

Kerry’s daughter Michaela, 27 — whom Kerry shares with her ex-husbandAndrew Cuomo, 66 — paid tribute to her grandma Ethel and Bellini in anInstagrampost on Oct. 17.

“Grateful and lucky for the lives they lead and the miracle of their welcome home party strobe lights shone on their home, Hyannis Port that night 👼,” Michaela captioned the post, which included photos of the Northern Lights.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

On Oct. 10,Robert F. Kennedy Jr.shared a tributeto Ethel, his mother, referencing her wanting to be"reunited with her many dogs"in “the afterlife.”

“She was never more enthusiastic about the afterlife than when she considered that she would also be reunited with her many dogs, including 16 Irish setters — all conveniently named ‘Rusty,’ " he wroteon X.

Ethel survived many tragedies in her 96 years, including the assassination of her husband,Robert F. Kennedy, in 1968, five years after his older brother,John F. Kennedy’sassassination.

source: people.com