Senator “Ted” Edward Kennedy Collapses During Inauguration Luncheon (Photos)

Posted on January 20, 2009

US Senator Edward “Ted” Kennedy had a seizure on Tuesday during the inaugural lunch for President Barack Obama at the US Capitol. Read more on Ted Kennedy’s condition below.

Sen. Ted Kennedy, 76, the last surviving brother of late president John F. Kennedy, was taken from the inaugural luncheon on a stretcher and will spend the night in the hospital.

After tests were run, doctors concluded that fatigue caused Sen. Edward Kennedy’s collapse.

“Senator Edward Kennedy experienced a seizure today while attending a luncheon for President Barack Obama in the US Capitol,” Dr Edward Aulisi of Washington Hospital Center said in a statement issued through Kennedy’s office.

“After testing, we believe the incident was brought on by simple fatigue. Senator Kennedy is awake, talking with family and friends, and feeling well.

Friends and fellow senators John Kerry and Chris Dodd went with Kennedy to the ambulance . Onlookers said Kennedy appeared to be conscious.

“He’ll be OK, the good news is, he’s going to be fine — that’s the best news,” Dodd told reporters, adding Kennedy had said: “‘I’ll be OK, I’ll see you later.’”

Republican Senator Orrin Hatch said after the initial scare that Kennedy seemed to get better even before the he got into the ambulance.

“I’m not a doctor, but it looked like a seizure, and it was painful to him but as he gradually was able to calm down, as he got into the ambulance, he kind of looked over at me and smiled, that old wry smile that I know things are going to be all right.

“It’s a tough thing.”

Another Republican Senator John Cornyn said that the guests at the luncheon, hours after Obama was sworn in as president, said a prayer for the ailing Massachusetts senator.

Obama said at the start of his speech to the gathered US lawmakers: “First of all, I know that while I was out of the room, concern was expressed about Teddy.

“I would be lying to you if I did not say that right now, a part of me is with him. And I think that’s true for all of us.

“This is a joyous time. But it’s also a sobering time. And my prayers are with him and his family and Vicki.”

Ted Kennedy had surgery for a malignant brain tumor last year after suffering a seizure. We all wish him well!

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