The body of the man who drowned while paddleboarding outside the Obamas’ Martha’s Vineyard estate has been identified as the former first family’s personal chef.
The victim, 45-year-old Tafari Campbell, had previously served as the sous chef in the White House kitchen during Barack Obama’s administration and was later hired as part of his personal staff after his term ended
The controversy arose after emergency responders were dispatched to the 30-acre estate on Turkeyland Cove Road after receiving reports of a “possible drowning” in the vicinity.
According to the reports, the tragic incident occurred on Sunday. The rescue efforts which involved Coast Guard helicopters, divers, and resources from different agencies arrived at the property.
On Monday at around 10 a.m., Campbell’s lifeless body was discovered following an exhaustive overnight search. The body was located about 100 feet from the banks of the Obamas’ property. The discovery was made using sonar scanners deployed from a boat, marking a somber end to the search.
During the incident, the former first family was not at their Martha’s Vineyard estate, confirmed by the local authorities.
Another individual who had been paddleboarding on the pond recounted witnessing Campbell struggling in the water before eventually submerging without resurfacing.
At the time of the incident, Campbell was dressed in all black attire and was not wearing a life jacket.
“Tafari was a beloved part of our family,” the Obama family said on Monday.
“When we first met him, he was a talented sous chef at the White House — creative and passionate about food, and its ability to bring people together. In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter,” the family added.
Soon after the arrival of search crews, Campbell’s paddleboard and hat were found.
“That’s why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed. He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone,” the Obamas continued.
“Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari — especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin — in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man,” they claimed.
Tafari Campbell’s time in the White House kitchen was noteworthy for more than just his culinary skills. He was known for brewing beer using honey from bees tended by former first lady Michelle Obama on the South Lawn, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
