Sleeping drug in Kennedy's system, report says

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (WABC) -- Eyewitness News has confirmed that the sleeping drug Ambien was found in Kerry Kennedy's blood after her recent New York auto accident.

The ex-wife of Gov. Andrew Cuomo and daughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy said a week ago that her doctors thought a seizure caused the July 11 accident. She said their tests found no alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription medication in her system.

Court documents filed by the Westchester County District Attorney says Kennedy did indeed have traces of the generic version of the sleep aid Ambien in her system. Blood and urine samples were taken the morning of July 13th when Kennedy was found slumped over the wheel of her SUV off of exit 3 of I-684. Minutes before she had sideswiped a truck driven by Rocco Sciuletti who described for eyewitness news how Kennedy had cut across three lanes of traffic.

Initially, Kennedy told police she may have mistakenly taken Ambien instead of her thyroid medication. But following her court appearance Kennedy claimed tests she had done revealed no traces of drugs in her system. According to Kennedy, further medical examination led doctors to conclude she likely suffered a seizure, the result of a previous head injury.

A call to her lawyer was not immediately returned.

Information from The Associated Press included in this report.

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