Former President Barack Obama’s personal chef, Tafari Campbell, was tragically found dead after a two-day search in Martha’s Vineyard. Campbell, 45, was seen struggling and going under the water while paddleboarding in Edgartown Great Pond near the Obamas’ home on Sunday night. He had been a sous chef at the White House and joined the Obama family after the former President completed his second term in 2016.
In a joint statement, Barack and Michelle Obama expressed their grief over Campbell’s passing, describing him as a beloved part of their family. They praised his creativity and passion for food, highlighting his ability to bring people together. The Obamas also remembered Campbell as a warm, fun, and extraordinarily kind person who brightened their lives.
Divers began searching for Campbell on Sunday after receiving a distress call about a male paddleboarder struggling in the water. Unfortunately, he did not resurface. Campbell’s body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond on Monday, according to the Massachusetts State Police.
Campbell is survived by his wife, Sherise, and their twin sons. At the time of his death, he was visiting Martha’s Vineyard from his home in Dumfries, Virginia. The Obamas were not present during the incident, as confirmed by the Massachusetts State Police.
Authorities are currently investigating Campbell’s death. The loss of the talented chef has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, including the Obamas, who considered him an integral part of their family.
Reporting by Sharon Bernstein; Editing by Lincoln Feast
What is currently being done to investigate the circumstances surrounding Campbell’s death
Former President Barack Obama’s personal chef, Tafari Campbell, tragically lost his life in a devastating incident that rocked Martha’s Vineyard. After a two-day search, Campbell’s body was discovered in Edgartown Great Pond, near the Obamas’ home. The 45-year-old sous chef, who had worked at the White House, had become a cherished member of the Obama family after the former President’s second term came to an end in 2016.
Both Barack and Michelle Obama expressed their deep sorrow in a joint statement, reflecting on Campbell’s invaluable contributions to their lives. They commended his culinary creativity and dedication, emphasizing his remarkable ability to bring people together through food. The Obamas fondly remembered Campbell as a ray of sunshine—a warm, fun, and remarkably kind individual.
The tragic incident unfolded on a Sunday night when witnesses reported seeing Campbell struggling in the water while paddleboarding. Despite the efforts of divers who responded to the distress call, Campbell did not resurface. On Monday, his lifeless body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond, according to Massachusetts State Police.
Campbell leaves behind his wife, Sherise, and their twin sons. At the time of the incident, he was visiting Martha’s Vineyard from his home in Dumfries, Virginia. It’s important to note that the Obamas were not present during this heartbreaking event, as confirmed by Massachusetts State Police.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Campbell’s untimely death. The loss of this talented chef has left a profound void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, especially the Obamas, who considered Campbell an indispensable part of their family.
Such heartbreaking news. My thoughts and condolences go out to the family and loved ones of the former Obama chef. May the investigation shed light on the circumstances surrounding this tragic incident.