Obamas Devastated by Tragic Loss of Beloved Personal Chef Tafari Campbell in Heartbreaking Paddle Boarding Mishap
Former personal chef to Barack and Michelle Obama, Tafari Campbell, tragically passes away after a paddle boarding accident Campbell's culinary expertise enriched the lives of the Obamas, leaving behind a remarkable legacy
Barack Obama and Michelle Obama are grieving the loss of their personal chef, Tafari Campbell. Campbell was found dead on Monday, July 24. The former president and first lady expressed their condolences in a joint statement, highlighting Campbell's talent and passion for food, as well as his kind and joyful nature. They considered him a beloved member of their family.
Campbell's body was found by divers near the Obama's Katama estate in Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts, after he was reported missing on July 23. The search for Campbell commenced on Sunday evening following a 911 call reporting that he had gone into the water on a paddleboard, struggled briefly to stay afloat, and then submerged without resurfacing.
Massachusetts Environmental Police officers discovered Campbell's body on Monday morning around 10 a.m. ET, as stated in a press release. Utilizing side-scan sonar from a boat, the department located the deceased chef around 100 feet away from the shore at a depth of approximately eight feet.
According to the police report, the Obamas were not at the residence when the accident occurred. Nonetheless, the family promptly expressed their admiration for Campbell through a statement on Monday.
Campbell initially came into contact with the couple while working as a sous chef at the White House during Barack's presidency. Following Barack's term in office, Campbell was subsequently employed by the Obamas to continue in the role of their personal chef. (Barack served as the 44th president of the United States from 2009 to 2017.)
Barack and Michelle expressed their profound sadness to CNN on Monday, stating, "He has been an integral part of our lives ever since, and we are devastated by his passing. Today, we stand in solidarity with all those who knew and cherished Tafari – especially his wife, Sherise, and their twin sons, Xavier and Savin – as we mourn the loss of an incredibly remarkable man."
The State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District and Edgartown Police are currently investigating Campbell’s death.
