The personal chef for the Obama family reportedly drowned and died, but the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts reportedly determined this week that it was an accident.
The 45-year-old Tafari Campbell, a sous chef for Barack and Michelle Obama, was visiting Martha’s Vineyard from Dumfries, Virginia, when he passed away, according to authorities.
According to state policy, the findings of Campbell’s autopsy have not been disclosed.
Campbell, 45, a former member of the White House culinary staff, was paddleboarding on Edgartown Great Pond near Martha’s Vineyard on July 23 when he lost his balance, submerged, and allegedly drown
The Obamas own a summer residence there.
Campbell was not attached to his paddleboard, and an eyewitness reported that he was not donning a life jacket. He couldn’t be saved in time, despite all efforts.
The Obama’s released a statement in the wake of Campbell’s death
“Tafari was a beloved part of our family. 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.” A statement from the Obama family read.
“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. 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.” it continued.
In order to see family, Campbell had travelled to Martha’s Vineyard. When he drowned, Barack and Michelle Obama weren’t at home.
The State Police’s initial inquiry revealed no indications that Campbell’s death was unusual, and there were no obvious traces of trauma on his corpse.
Previously employed at the White House as a sous chef, Campbell, a native of Dumfries, Virginia, started there under President George W. Bush and remained there for both of President Obama’s terms.
Later, the Obama family engaged him as their personal chef. He is survived by his wife and two children.
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