Young Democrats of Maryland leader Joseph Kitchen found dead in Washington DC a week after he was reported missing
The president of the Young Democrats of Maryland, who went missing in Maryland for over a week, was tragically found dead in Washington, D.C. just as the Democratic National Convention begins. Joseph Kitchen's death was announced Sunday night, just a day after the Prince George's County police department solicited help from the public in locating his whereabouts, CBS News reported. The 34-year-old Democratic firebrand was also the director of community outreach at the Washington School for Girls in Southeast D.C., family members told News4. An investigation into his death is underway.
"We are saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Joseph Kitchen," the Young Democrats of America tweeted Sunday night. "Joseph always pushed YDA to live up to its values and was someone who was not satisfied with accepting the status quo. His passion will be deeply missed." Kitchen was last seen in-person at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, about 37 miles east of Washington, on August 8. He attended a Zoom meeting with colleagues the following Tuesday.
Kitchen's brother became worried after his phone started going straight to voicemail and he had not been active on social media.
Authorities said the search for Kitchen intensified over the weekend, and his family members had already planned to come down from California to aid in the search. At the time, a number of Maryland Democrats including Attorney General Brian Frosh urged the public to help with information about his whereabouts.
When the search was underway, the Young Democrats' group had posted a missing person flyer that sought information about Kitchen for his parents and brother.
Kitchen's tragic death drew an outpouring of support on social media from various local and state officials. "I'm stunned," former gubernatorial candidate Ben Jealous said. "He was such a good public servant and so young. Keeping all his friends and family in prayer."
"In everything Joseph did, he advocated for young people," Maryland Del. Jazz Lewis, who represents Prince George's County, said. "He was fearless in calling out local, state, federal, and even party leadership if he felt young people weren't given a fair hand."
"I am terribly sad to learn of the loss of Joseph Kitchen," Rep. Jamie Raskin said. "This is a brutal time we inhabit and the loss of this wonderful young man will be another dreadful milestone in our age of bitter hardship." Maryland Democrat Richard Madaleno wrote, "Joseph was a great person who always made you feel welcome and appreciated. The @mddems and @YoungDemsofMD are weaker for his loss and immensely stronger for his years of leadership and dedication. Rest In Peace."
"My heart is breaking as I write this - my dear friend Joseph Kitchen has passed," his pal and Democratic strategist Nina Sophia tweeted. "I’m grateful to everyone who shared my post. Joseph gave everything of himself to service, but he was also the biggest advocate for his friends. I love and miss him so much. RIP." The Maryland Democratic Party also expressed their condolences, saying Kitchen had "a kind heart that has impacted so many."