Joseph Kitchen death: Young Democrats leader found dead on day of convention

President of Maryland chapter had been missing for nearly a week

The leader of the Young Democrats of Maryland has been found dead in Washington, DC just as the Democratic National Convention begins.

Joseph Kitchen, who was 34, had been missing for nearly a week, with his parents saying they had been unable to reach him since Tuesday. His death was confirmed by the Prince George’s County Police Department.

The Young Democrats of America shared the news of his death in a tweet. ”We are saddened to learn of the tragic and untimely passing of Joseph Kitchen,” it 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.

“We express our deepest condolences.”

In another tweet, the Maryland Democratic Party called Mr Kitchen “a kind heart”.

The police have given no details of the circumstances of his death.

Alongside his work at the Young Democrats, Mr Kitchen worked as director of outreach and volunteerism at the Washington School for Girls in the southeast of the capital.