Young Democrats Of America Leader Joseph Kitchen Found Dead Following Disappearance

Maryland's Young Democrats of America President Joseph Kitchen was found dead in Washington, D.C. on Sunday after his family and friends reported him missing from the Maryland area.

Prince George's County police confirmed Kitchen's death one day after asking and receiving help from the public to locate him, reports CBS News. The announcement comes more than a week after his disappearance was first reported.

The Young Democrats of America Twitter account has since shared a statement reflecting on the 34-year-old’s contribution to the organization. “We are saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Joseph Kitchen,” the message read.

“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.”

The Young Democrats of America are described as a youth-led group dedicated to advocating for progressive issues, electing Democrats, and training the next generation of progressive leaders.

In a statement, Maryland Del. Jazz Lewis said, “In everything Joseph did, he advocated for young people. He was fearless in calling out local, state, federal, and even party leadership if he felt young people weren’t given a fair hand.”

NBC-4 in Washington reports that Kitchen was last seen in person at Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis on Aug. 8, and on via a Zoom meeting with colleagues the following Tuesday.

At the time of his disappearance, Kitchen’s brother noticed something was wrong after he went silent on social media and his phone went straight to voicemail.

Kitchen’s cause of his death has not been identified as it is still under investigation by The Metropolitan Police Department in Washington.