Ep 7. JFK Jr's Final Flight
- TVPG
- March 10, 2017
- 40 min
How It Really Happened is a docuseries that delves into some of the most notorious crimes and scandals in history, uncovering the untold stories behind the headlines. In season 1 episode 7, titled JFK Jr's Final Flight, the focus is on the mysterious plane crash that claimed the life of the famed Kennedy scion, his wife Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, and his sister-in-law Lauren Bessette.
Through a combination of investigative journalism, interviews with experts and insiders, and archival footage, How It Really Happened pieces together the events that led up to the tragic night of July 16, 1999, when JFK Jr's plane vanished en route to Martha's Vineyard. The episode explores the factors that may have contributed to the crash, from JFK Jr's relative inexperience as a pilot, to the suboptimal conditions of the plane and the weather, to possible foul play or sabotage.
Along the way, viewers get a glimpse into the glamorous yet tumultuous life of JFK Jr, a man who grew up in the public eye as the son of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. We see JFK Jr. as a young, handsome and charismatic man, who abused drugs and alcohol and was in the midst of a turbulent marriage when he took off on his final flight.
The episode features interviews with numerous people who knew JFK Jr. and his wife, including Maria Shriver, who was a close friend of Carolyn's, and former White House photographer Pete Souza, who captured some of the most iconic images of JFK Jr. and his family. We also hear from experts in aviation and media, who weigh in on the technical and political implications of the crash.
Ultimately, How It Really Happened is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of one of the most poignant tragedies of the 90s, a moment that left a lasting impact on the nation's collective consciousness. By peeling back the layers of myth and rumor surrounding JFK Jr's final flight, the episode helps to shed new light on his life and legacy, while also highlighting the fragility of our human existence and the mysteries that continue to elude us.