Joseph Kitchen, the president of the Young Democrats of Maryland, who had gone missing for more than a week, was found dead Sunday in a Washington, D.C., apartment. He was 34.
Prince George’s County police announced Kitchen’s death on Sunday night, a day after the department asked for the public’s help in locating him. Several prominent Democratic leaders had also put out the word about Kitchen’s disappearance.
Kitchen was last seen on Aug. 8 at Sandy Point State Park near Annapolis. He had participated in at least one Zoom call last Tuesday. The Metropolitan Police in Washington, D.C., are investigating his death.
Kitchen’s passing was mourned by several political leaders, but especially by those of his generation.
“We are saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Joseph Kitchen,” the Young Democrats of America said in a tweet 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.”
“In everything Joseph did, he advocated for young people,” state Del. Jazz M. Lewis (D-Prince George’s), 31, wrote on Twitter.
“Joseph’s energy and voice are unforgettable,” Del. Wanika Fisher (D-Prince George’s), 32, tweeted.
In addition to his political work, Kitchen was director of community outreach at the Washington School for Girls in Southeast D.C.
Funeral arrangements are pending.