Mary Jo Kopechne
Mary Jo Kopechne (July 26, 1940–July 18 1969) was a congressional staffer for U.S. politician Edward Kennedy. Kopechne died after a car driven by Kennedy turned off the road in Chappaquiddick, Massachusetts and crashed into a pond. Kennedy did not call the police or authorities to save her until the morning. Of course by that time she was already dead. Questions abound about Kennedy, his conduct, and why he did not serve time, receiving only a suspended sentence. It is assumed Mary Jo died from drowning, although her parents filed a petition barring an autopsy.
On television Kennedy later said he was not driving under the influence of alcohol. He explained he was in a state of shock when he emerged from the creek and confused by "a jumble of emotions". He added that he tried several times to find Mary Jo by diving down into the water.
He said he gave up hope and remembers little of how he got back to his hotel in Edgartown except that he swam the narrow channel because there were no night ferries and nearly drowned in the process.
Mary Jo's death severely damaged Kennedy's reputation, and is regarded as one of the primary reasons why he was never able to mount a successful campaign for President of the United States.
Most people assume that Kennedy did not tell the authorities until morning because he was drunk and did not want the public to know his state of intoxication.
