JFK Watched as Son Patrick Died in Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber After 39 Hours: Book

Steven Levingston's book 'Twilight of Camelot' focuses on the birth and death of President John F. Kennedy's youngest child with Jackie Kennedy, Patrick Bouvier

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Steven Levingston's new book 'Twilight of Camelot' focuses on the birth and death of President John F. Kennedy's younger son, Patrick Bouvier. The baby's premature delivery and the 39-hour push to save his life in 1963 were turning points for his family and for the course of medicine in America, Levingston says.

Why it matters

Patrick's short life and death were turning points both for his parents' marriage and for the course of neonatal care in America. After Patrick's death, the president pushed for 'a revolution in premature care' through increased medical funding.

The details

Patrick Bouvier Kennedy was born prematurely in 1963, weighing just 4 lbs. 10.5 oz. He lived for 39 hours and 12 minutes, fighting for each breath as his lungs had not had time to develop sufficient surfactant. He was treated in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at Boston Children's Hospital, where his father, President John F. Kennedy, was with him at the end, watching as Patrick's body failed.

  • On August 7, 1963, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy was born by cesarean section at Otis Air Force Base in Massachusetts.
  • On August 9, 1963, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy died after 39 hours and 12 minutes of life.

The players

Patrick Bouvier Kennedy

The youngest child of President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who was born prematurely in 1963 and died after 39 hours of life.

John F. Kennedy

The 35th President of the United States, who was with his son Patrick in his final hours as he fought for his life in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.

Jacqueline Kennedy

The First Lady of the United States, who was in the early stages of premature labor when she was rushed to the hospital to deliver her son Patrick.

Steven Levingston

The author of the book 'Twilight of Camelot', which focuses on the birth and death of Patrick Bouvier Kennedy.

Clint Hill

A Secret Service agent who was with Jacqueline Kennedy when she was rushed to the hospital to deliver Patrick, and described the baby as 'beautiful' but 'clearly fighting for each breath'.

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What they’re saying

“He put up quite a fight.”

— John F. Kennedy, President of the United States

“He really doted on Caroline and John Jr. and he evolved through their tutelage. They taught him how to be an emotional man, a caring man. Patrick brought that to the zenith of his evolution.”

— Steven Levingston, Author

“To our wonder and surprise and delight, we got stuff back and we were able to track them down and talk to them.”

— Steven Levingston, Author

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.