If the backups had been on S3 or digital spaces then they would not be deleted when the server was (unless they was deleted too). Since the server contained the backups they are gone too. It could be possible that he had digital ocean making backups of the server, but those cost money too, so I’d guess he didn’t create those or deleted them too.
If you want control over your site you should pay for your own vm or hosting from a reputable company.