Joe Biden marks 49th anniversary of car crash that killed wife and daughter

President Joe Biden arrives at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Today is the anniversary of Neilia and Naomi Biden's death. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
President Joe Biden arrives at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Today is the anniversary of Neilia and Naomi Biden's death. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

(AP) - President Joe Biden commemorated the 49th anniversary of the car crash that killed his first wife and infant daughter, visiting their graves at the Saint Joseph on the Brandywine Roman Catholic Church.

Their deaths occurred just after Delaware voters elected Mr Biden to the Senate in 1972 and the fatal car crash became a defining moment that has shaped his persona and career.

His sons Beau and Hunter, ages four and three at the time, were seriously injured but survived the crash.

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wait for family as they walk from St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden wait for family as they walk from St. Joseph on the Brandywine Catholic Church in Wilmington, Del., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

His wife Neilia and 13-month-old daughter Naomi died after their car was hit while they were en route to pick up a Christmas tree.

The tragedy haunted him at the start of his Senate career and has been a touchstone of his presidency, with Mr Biden recently opening a speech in Minnesota by noting how two of that state’s former senators helped him cope.

Mr Biden later remarried, with Jill, and added daughter Ashley to his family.

Both joined him at the church on Saturday, as did Hunter and his family among others.

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