logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

John F Kennedy Jr's Plane Crash Wasn't an Accident Suggested John Hankey: 'There Was No Rain'

Monica Otayza
Jul 19, 2021
12:18 P.M.

It's been 22 years since John F. Kennedy and his companions lost their lives in a plane crash. Through the years, sources have claimed that their deaths were not an accident, and something might have actually caused it to happen.

Advertisement

John F. Kennedy Jr., his wife Carolyn Bessette, and sister-in-law Lauren Bessette lost their lives in a fatal aircraft crash that occurred on July 16, 1999. Decades after the tragic incident, the controversies around the cause of death remains.

While some consider it a tragic accident, a podcast once revealed that it might have been planned after all. The podcast, titled "Fatal Voyage: John F. Kennedy Jr. Case Solved," examined the events and concluded that the crash was not a product of pilot error.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy arrive at the annual John F. Kennedy Library Foundation dinner on May 23, 1999, at the Kennedy Library in Boston, MA. | Source: Getty Images.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy arrive at the annual John F. Kennedy Library Foundation dinner on May 23, 1999, at the Kennedy Library in Boston, MA. | Source: Getty Images.

Reports in 1999 published that the weather was not fit for flying at the time of their flight and that JFK Jr., who was flying the plane, might have experienced spatial disorientation. However, John Hankey noted in the podcast years later that this might not have been the true case:

Advertisement

"There was no rain, there was no fog, it was fine. And in fact, people on the ground confirm this … So we can rule out any bad weather."

John F. Kennedy gives his wife Carolyn a kiss on the cheek during the annual White House Correspondents dinner May 1, 1999, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images.

John F. Kennedy gives his wife Carolyn a kiss on the cheek during the annual White House Correspondents dinner May 1, 1999, in Washington, D.C. | Source: Getty Images.

At the time, Kennedy was flying to Massachusetts for his cousin Rory's wedding. The plane never arrived in time for the event, and it was declared missing shortly after.

A search was conducted, and on July 21, 1999, five days after takeoff, divers found bodies of the group members at the bottom of the Atlantic. Initially, the official report stated that the cause of the crash was pilot error.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette pose for a picture at the Annual Fundraising Gala on March 9, 1999, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images.

John F. Kennedy, Jr. and his wife Carolyn Bessette pose for a picture at the Annual Fundraising Gala on March 9, 1999, in New York City. | Source: Getty Images.

Advertisement

However, in the podcast, the author of "Exploding the Truth: JFK Assassination" tried to debunk this claim. At the time, he shares that JFK Jr. was under immense pressure from others to continue what his family had started in US politics.

Another podcast guest chose to focus on the seeming coincidences that occur in the Kennedy family in the second episode of the podcast. There, he mentioned the so-called "Kennedy Curse."

John F. Kennedy Jr. with his wife Carolyn after Michael Kennedy's funeral in Massachusetts on March 1, 1998. | Source: Getty Images.

John F. Kennedy Jr. with his wife Carolyn after Michael Kennedy's funeral in Massachusetts on March 1, 1998. | Source: Getty Images.

In that same episode, John Koerner also made an appearance. He claimed there was "something psychological" about the tragedies that visited each generation of the Kennedy family. He described it as "the curse of power."

The podcast host, Colin McLaren, revealed that the rumors started following the assassination of President John Kennedy, which some believe was a product of a conspiracy that also included JFK Jr.

Advertisement

The rumors took on flesh when the junior Kennedy's uncle, Bobby Kennedy, was killed following his success at the California presidential primary. Whether the deaths are due to conspiracies or sheer risky behavior is a debate that might last a long time.

Kennedy and his wife were American royalty prior to their deaths, always looking their best in every event. As famous as they were for their names, they were even more famous for their good looks.

Studio portrait of American lawyer and magazine publisher John F Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) on June 09, 1988 | Photo: Getty Images

Studio portrait of American lawyer and magazine publisher John F Kennedy Jr (1960 - 1999) on June 09, 1988 | Photo: Getty Images

Advertisement

In early May 1999, George, the magazine that JFK Jr was the editor-in-chief for, hosted a table at the White House Correspondents Dinner. There, he and his wife Carolyn entertained guests the entire night.

After the dinner held at the Washington Hilton, they proceeded to an afterparty by Vanity Fair, an exclusive political event wherein the spotlight was on the Kennedy couple. As onlookers put it, everyone "stopped and turned around as they walked in."

Advertisement

Despite rumors of them being at a crossroads because of Carolyn's distrust of the media and talks of his future and where it would take their relationship, they were at ease with each other that night.

1999 was supposed to be a great year for the Kennedy couple, with a lot of things slated for their future. They were fixtures in the New York social scene, and they were figuring out where they were headed next, both as individuals and as a couple.

Advertisement

Unfortunately, none of these ended up happening due to the tragic plane crash that took their lives. Twenty-two years after their deaths, their inner circle continues to remember them for the good friends that they were.

They were known as a warm couple who welcomed everyone around them. As JFK Jr would have turned 60 in November 2020, people chose to share never-before-seen photos of the couple to celebrate.

JFK Jr. was famously known to the public as a renowned journalist and the son of late President John F. Kennedy and Jacqueline Kennedy. However, to those closest to him, he will continue to be remembered as a loving family member and a loyal friend.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

3-Year-Old Girl Dies 'Just a Few Short Miles from Home', Her Younger Brother Luckily Survives: Details

January 22, 2024

‘Black Panther’ Stuntman Taraja Ramsess Tragically Dies with 3 of His Children in Atlanta

November 06, 2023

4 Missing Teen Boys Found Dead — Girlfriend Writes Devastating Words to Her Late ‘Most Loving Boy'

November 24, 2023

Woman Loses Her Husband, Mother, and 8-Year-Old Son in One Tragic Moment – 'It's Unbearable'

February 05, 2024

People Share Their Worst Airline Travel Stories

December 15, 2023

People Share Their Worst Airline Travel Stories

December 26, 2023

Harolyn Suzanne Nicholas' Life - Dorothy Dandridge's Daughter Died the Same Year as Her Half-Brother

November 08, 2023

Ricky Nelson's Twins Were Left with $26 – They Didn't Have 'The Rosy Life' Everyone Thought Following Dad's Sudden Death

December 31, 2023

Texas Surgeon & His 2 Young Children Found Dead: 'The Tragedy That This Family Has Endured Is Unimaginable'

January 17, 2024

Business Class Passengers Mock Poor Old Lady, at the End of the Flight Pilot Addresses Her – Story of the Day

February 15, 2024

Woman Has Been in Years-Long Relationship with Undercover Cop Sent to Spy on Her – ‘It Felt like an Explosion'

February 16, 2024

Vanessa Bryant Amazes Fans with Personal Pic of First Meeting with Her Late Husband Kobe Bryant

November 29, 2023

Toby Keith's Mother Joined Him Onstage in One of His Final Shows before His Death

February 07, 2024

Jesse Belle Deutschendorf Is John Denver's Daughter Who Loves Snowboarding

January 11, 2024