JUST IN: New Biography Reveals RFK Jr. Once Cut Off a Dead Raccoon’s Penis on Highway to “Study It Later,” According to His Own Diary Entry
Reflecto News
April 16, 2026
A new biography of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has uncovered a bizarre 2001 diary entry in which he described pulling over on a highway during a family road trip, cutting the penis off a road-killed raccoon, and taking it home to study later — while his wife and children waited in the car.
The account appears in “RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise,” written by New York Post investigative journalist Isabel Vincent. The book draws heavily from private journals Kennedy kept between 1999 and 2001, which were reportedly shared with the author after the 2012 death of his second wife, Mary Richardson Kennedy.
In the November 11, 2001 entry, Kennedy wrote: “I was standing in front of my parked car on I-684 cutting the penis out of a road killed raccoon, thinking about how weird some of my family members have turned out to be. My kids waited patiently in the car.”
Vincent told People magazine that Kennedy removed the raccoon’s genitals so he could “study them later.” The incident occurred while traveling with his then-wife and children in a minivan.
Context Within the Book and Kennedy’s Life
The anecdote is presented as part of a broader portrait of Kennedy’s personal eccentricities and inner reflections during a turbulent period. In the same entry, he was reportedly reflecting on strained family relationships, including grudges held by his brother Douglas Kennedy and cousin Bobby Shriver.
The book also explores other controversial or unusual episodes from Kennedy’s diaries, including lists of personal relationships and reflections on family dynamics. Vincent portrays these as windows into the “fall and rise” of a complex figure who has transitioned from environmental lawyer and activist to a senior Trump administration official overseeing national health policy.
Kennedy has a documented history of interest in roadkill and wildlife. He previously admitted to disposing of a dead bear cub in Central Park in 2014 as a prank, an incident that resurfaced during his 2024 presidential campaign. As a child, he reportedly aspired to become a veterinarian.
Public and Media Reaction
The revelation has sparked widespread online discussion, with many describing the story as surreal or disturbing. Media outlets have highlighted the contrast between the anecdote and Kennedy’s current high-profile role in public health. Some commentators have linked it to his well-known affinity for animals and nature, while others view it as emblematic of his unconventional persona.
The story quickly went viral, with late-night shows and political panels reacting with a mix of shock and dark humor.
Broader Implications
This latest disclosure adds to the public fascination with Kennedy’s personal life at a time when he holds significant influence over U.S. health policy. Supporters often praise his independent thinking and willingness to challenge mainstream narratives, while critics point to such anecdotes as evidence of eccentricity.
The book “RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise” was published in mid-April 2026 and is already generating significant attention for its use of primary source material from Kennedy’s own writings.
Reflecto News will continue monitoring reactions to the biography and any response from Kennedy or his representatives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What exactly did the diary entry say about the raccoon?
A: Kennedy wrote that he stopped his car on I-684, cut the penis from a road-killed raccoon, and noted that his kids waited patiently in the vehicle while he reflected on family issues.
Q2: Why did RFK Jr. take the raccoon’s genitals?
A: According to author Isabel Vincent, he intended to “study them later.”
Q3: When did the incident occur?
A: The diary entry is dated November 11, 2001, during a period when Kennedy was living in New York City and keeping regular journals.
Q4: Is this the only unusual animal-related story involving RFK Jr.?
A: No. He has previously spoken about a 2014 incident involving a dead bear cub dumped in Central Park, and the book references his long-standing interest in wildlife.
Q5: Who wrote the book and what sources did it use?
A: Investigative journalist Isabel Vincent authored “RFK Jr.: The Fall and Rise.” It draws from Kennedy’s private diaries (1999–2001), interviews, and other documents.
Q6: Has RFK Jr. commented on this specific story?
A: As of April 16, 2026, no direct public response from Kennedy has been reported regarding the raccoon anecdote.
For the latest on this story, developments involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other national and international news, stay with Reflecto News for accurate, timely reporting.
This article is based on reporting from the New York Post, People magazine, and other verified sources as of April 16, 2026.