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 was Tafari Campbell’s role as a chef for the Obamas and how did they describe him?
Former President Barack Obama’s personal chef, Tafari Campbell, tragically lost his life during a paddleboarding incident near the Obamas’ home in Martha’s Vineyard. Campbell, 45, was seen struggling in the water and unfortunately did not resurface. He had been a sous chef at the White House before joining the Obama family after the former President’s second term in 2016.
Barack and Michelle Obama expressed their deep sadness in a joint statement, mourning the loss of Campbell whom they considered a beloved part of their family. They spoke highly of his culinary skills, creativity, and his ability to bring people together through food. The Obamas also fondly remembered Campbell as a warm, fun, and extraordinarily kind person who brought joy into their lives.
Divers immediately initiated a search for Campbell after receiving a distress call about a paddleboarder in trouble. Tragically, his body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond the following day. Campbell leaves behind his wife, Sherise, and their twin sons. He was visiting Martha’s Vineyard from his home in Dumfries, Virginia at the time of the incident. The Obamas were not present during the tragic occurrence, as confirmed by the Massachusetts State Police.
Authorities are currently investigating Campbell’s death, which has left a void in the lives of those who knew him, including the Obamas who considered him an integral part of their family.
This is a heartbreaking news. My thoughts and prayers go out to former President Obama and his family during this difficult time.
Such heartbreaking news. My condolences to the family and friends of the former president’s personal chef. Praying for strength during this difficult time.