Tafari Campbell, a former White House chef, and personal employee of the Obama family, was tragically found dead in a pond on Martha’s Vineyard, the resort community where the Obamas have a family home.
Massachusetts State Police confirmed the incident on Monday after Campbell was reported missing while paddleboarding on the Edgartown Great Pond.
The 45-year-old culinary expert previously worked at the White House during former United States President Obama’s term and continued serving the Obama family even after they left the presidential residence in 2016.
In a joint statement, Barack and Michelle Obama expressed their deep grief over the loss of Campbell, whom they regarded as a cherished member of their family.
They remembered him as a talented sous chef at the White House, passionate about food and its ability to bring people together.
Their statement further highlighted that when they were preparing to leave the White House, they asked Campbell to stay with them, and he willingly agreed.
Since then, he had remained an integral part of their lives, making them all the more heartbroken over his passing.
Campbell is survived by his wife, Sherise, and twin sons, Xavier and Savin. The Obamas expressed their condolences to the grieving family and everyone who knew and loved Tafari.
The unfortunate incident unfolded on Sunday, July 23, when a paddleboarder was reported to have encountered difficulties while out on the Edgartown Great Pond.
Authorities immediately launched a search operation, and Campbell’s lifeless body was found approximately 30 meters from the shore and 2.4 meters underwater using sonar.
While Campbell was visiting Martha’s Vineyard, the Obamas were not present during the incident. He had been staying in Dumfries, Virginia, and had made a trip to the affluent island community off the coast of Massachusetts.
Tafari Campbell’s untimely death is currently under investigation by the authorities, including the State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District and Edgartown Police.
