WILMINGTON, Del. — President Joe Biden solemnly commemorated the 52nd anniversary of the tragic car accident that claimed the lives of his first wife and infant daughter. The event continues to shape the life and political journey of the president.
In a heartbreaking incident, Biden’s wife Neilia, who was just 30 years old, took their three children, including 1-year-old Naomi, Christmas tree shopping when a tractor-trailer struck their vehicle. Neilia and Naomi tragically lost their lives, while their sons Beau, aged 3, and Hunter, aged 2, sustained severe injuries.
On Wednesday, Biden, accompanied by his current wife, Jill, and son Hunter, attended a private memorial mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church, situated near their home in Delaware. Following the service, the family proceeded to the church cemetery, with Jill seen holding hands with her grandson, Beau Biden.
The president frequently reflects on this personal tragedy, even sharing his story during a recent gathering at the White House. Biden recounted a moment with then-Senator Edward Kennedy, reflecting on the tragic call he received from his local fire department regarding the accident.
Having been only 30 years old at the time, Biden has openly discussed the impact of this loss on his life, revealing that he almost stepped away from public service. Encouraged by fellow senators, he continued his political career while commuting daily on Amtrak to be by his sons’ side in the hospital.
Next month, Biden will mark a significant milestone, concluding nearly 50 years in public service, which includes 36 years in the Senate, eight years as vice president, and four years as president.
His candidness about grief and his empathetic nature towards others facing loss have become defining characteristics of his leadership style.
After marrying Jill Jacobs in 1977, she took on the role of a devoted stepmother to Beau and Hunter, later welcoming daughter Ashley into their family. The personal difficulties continued when Biden faced another heart-wrenching loss with Beau’s passing from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46, with Beau now resting in the same cemetery.
