President Joe Biden paid tribute to his late wife and daughter on the 52nd anniversary of their tragic car accident in Delaware. The accident, which occurred when Biden's wife Neilia was driving their children — 1-year-old Naomi, and sons Beau and Hunter — to go Christmas tree shopping, resulted in the deaths of Neilia and Naomi. Beau and Hunter were left severely injured.
Biden, along with his current wife Jill, son Hunter, and other family members, attended a private memorial mass at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church near Biden's Delaware home. Following the service, the family walked to the cemetery behind the church, with Jill seen holding hands with Hunter's young son, Beau.
Biden often shares the story of his personal loss, recounting the moment he received the devastating news while in Washington with then-Senator Edward Kennedy. Despite contemplating walking away from his career, Biden heeded the advice of fellow senators, was sworn into office at his sons' hospital bedside, and commuted between Delaware and Washington on Amtrak.
Next month, Biden will conclude his nearly 50-year career in elected politics and public service, which includes 36 years in the Senate, eight years as vice president, and four years as president. His candidness about his grief, his ability to empathize with others who have experienced loss, and his resilience have become defining characteristics.
Biden married Jill Jacobs in 1977, who played a significant role in raising Beau and Hunter as her own children. The couple later welcomed daughter Ashley into their family.
Years after the tragic car accident, Biden faced another personal loss when his son Beau passed away from brain cancer in 2015 at the age of 46. Beau Biden is also laid to rest in the church cemetery, alongside his mother and sister.
