Missing paddle boarder’s body pulled from Martha’s Vineyard pond next to Obama mansion

Authorities have recovered the body of a paddle-boarder who went missing in a Martha’s Vineyard pond near former President Barack Obama’s residence.

Police in Edgartown, Massachusetts, confirmed on Monday morning that the search for an unidentified 43-year-old African American man had been called off after he went underwater while paddle boarding at the town’s Great Pond.

First responders were first alerted of the emergency at around 7.40pm on Sunday. Several agencies from neighbouring areas and the US Coast Guard searched the pond, which is located in the vicinity of a 30-acre waterfront Turkeyland Cove estate that the Obamas bought in 2019.

Another paddleboarder who was at the scene when the tragedy unfolded told authorities that he saw the man struggle to stay on the surface and then go underwater. The victim’s paddle board and hat were found later that day.

The man’s remains were detected by the Massachusetts Environmental Police with sonar technology before they were pulled from the pond around 10am on Monday.

“The recovery was made approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet,” a spokesperson for Massachusetts State Police said in a statement. “The investigation into the fatality is being conducted by the State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District and Edgartown Police.”

Just hours before news emerged of a body being recovered from the scene, MSP had paused rescue efforts.

“After several hours of searching last night, efforts to locate the missing paddle boarder were unsuccessful and the operation was paused to allow dive teams, flight crews, and other responders to re-equip and assess next steps. Search assets are currently resuming operations at this time,” an earlier statement read.

The pond expands 890 acres and is commonly used for recreational swimming, boating and fishing.

A spokesperson for MSP refused to confirm or deny a potential link between the deceased man and the Obamas’ residence. It’s also unclear whether Mr Obama is currently staying at the residence.

MSP said the individual’s name will be released later on Monday.

The Independent has reached out to Mr Obama’s press office.