A joint-agency team located the body of a black man, 43 years old, shortly before 10 am Monday morning. The search was prompted by a call received at 7:46 pm Sunday from 79 Turkeyland Cove Road — President Barack Obama’s estate.
EPD is assisting multiple agencies searching for a missing adult male paddle boarder in Edgartown Great Pond. Please remain away from this area and allow emergency responders to perform their search.
— Edgartown Police (@edgartownpolice) July 24, 2023
According to a Massachusetts State Police press release, the body of the man was found 100 feet away from the shore and at a depth between eight and ten feet.
The release stated that Massachusetts Environmental Police officers used side-scan to search the depths of a boat. A companion was paddling boarding with the man when he saw him enter the water and struggle to stay at the surface. He then went underwater without returning.
The incident is not directly connected to the Obamas, but the companion could have sought help at the closest house – the Obama estate.
Obama has yet to make a public statement.
The State Police Dive Team and Massachusetts Environmental Police have recovered the body of the missing paddle boarder from Edgartown Great Pond. https://t.co/oC4IEsCDRf
— Mass State Police (@MassStatePolice) July 24, 2023
The Obamas purchased a home and land worth $18 million on the island’s wealthy enclave, with 30 acres of waterfront on the pond.
The brackish pond is the home of otters, eels, waterfowl, and other wildlife.
The joint-agency search team included Massachusetts State Police, Dukes County Sheriff’s Department, U.S. Coast personnel, and local fire department divers.
Edgartown Police Department and state police detectives are investigating the fatality.
