Episode 034 - Chappaquiddick Part One (1969)

Rainbow Valley - bringing you the stories from the decade that shook the world.

Join your host, Scott, for the story of the death of a young woman and a man destined to become President of the USA.

Episode 034 - Chappaquiddick Part One (1969)

July 16th 1969 and the world watched in awe as Apollo 11 blasted off from Cape Kennedy in Florida carrying the promise that President John F Kennedy had made to land a man on the moon by the end of the decade. 

1300 miles further north, some 36 or so hours later, the spotlight would turn to the youngest of JFK’s brothers, Teddy, and Chappaquiddick island at Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts.

For it was on this evening that Senator Edward Kennedy would accidentally drive his car off the island’s Dike Bridge into Poucha’s Pond. An accident that would claim the life of his 28-year-old passenger, Mary Jo Kopechne, who was trapped inside the vehicle. 

Inquests, inquiries and court hearings would follow over the next year, uncovering a tale of deceit and cover ups. An accident that would rob Kennedy of his chance of ever becoming President and claim the life of a young