Current:Home > MarketsBarack and Michelle Obama's Chef Dies While Paddleboarding Near Their Martha's Vineyard Home-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Barack and Michelle Obama's Chef Dies While Paddleboarding Near Their Martha's Vineyard Home
View Date:2024-12-23 20:32:35
The body of a missing paddle boarder has been found near Barack and Michelle Obama's Martha's Vineyard home.
Massachusetts State Police said divers recovered the body from the Edgartown Great Pond, according to a July 24 news release. He was identified as 45-year-old Tafari Campbell of Dumfries, Va.
At the time of his death, Campbell was employed by the Obamas and had been visiting Martha's Vineyard, according to Massachusetts police. Neither the former President nor the First Lady were at the residence at the time of the incident, according to authorities.
The Obamas mourned Campbell's loss in a joint statement, describing the chef as 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," their statement read, per NBC News. "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."
Upon their departure from the White House in 2017, the Obamas extended an invitation to have Campbell continue to work for them.
"That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed," their statement continued. "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."
The search for Campbell began on the evening of July 23, according to the Vineyard Gazette. Police said a witness saw Campbell struggle on the paddle board before going into the water.
Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers used side-scan sonar from a boat and eventually found Campbell's body about 100 feet from shore under about eight feet of water.
According to authorities, an investigation into the incident is currently underway by the State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District and Edgartown Police.
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (9816)
Related
- Will Mike Tyson vs. Jake Paul end in KO? Boxers handle question differently
- Dancer Órla Baxendale Dead at 25 After Eating Mislabeled Cookie
- Bud Light's Super Bowl commercial teaser features a 'new character' | Exclusive
- FTC launches inquiry into artificial intelligence deals such as Microsoft’s OpenAI partnership
- Eva Longoria Shares She and Her Family Have Moved Out of the United States
- Senate immigration talks continue as divisions among Republicans threaten to sink deal
- Accused Taylor Swift stalker arrested 3 times in 5 days outside of her NYC home
- Court takes new look at whether Musk post illegally threatened workers with loss of stock options
- Sean Diddy Combs' Lawyers File New Motion for Bail, Claiming Evidence Depicts a Consensual Relationship
- Oklahoma trooper hit, thrown in traffic stop as vehicle crashes into parked car: Watch
Ranking
- Advocates Expect Maryland to Drive Climate Action When Trump Returns to Washington
- Walgreens to pay $275,000 to settle allegations in Vermont about service during pandemic
- Georgia lawmakers, in support of Israel, pass bill that would define antisemitism in state law
- Apple will open iPhone to alternative app stores, lower fees in Europe to comply with regulations
- 2 more escaped monkeys recaptured and enjoying peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in South Carolina
- Raheem Morris hired as head coach by Atlanta Falcons, who pass on Bill Belichick
- Republican National Committee plans to soon consider declaring Trump the ‘presumptive 2024 nominee’
- Washington Wizards move head coach Wes Unseld Jr. to front office advisory role
Recommendation
-
Celtics' Jaylen Brown calls Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo a 'child' over fake handshake
-
Watch: Lionel Messi teases his first Super Bowl commercial
-
West Virginia lawmakers reject bill to expand DNA database to people charged with certain felonies
-
Jennifer Crumbley, on trial in son's school shooting, sobs at 'horrific' footage of rampage
-
Atmospheric river to bring heavy snow, rain to Northwest this week
-
South Dakota Senate OKs measure for work requirement to voter-passed Medicaid expansion
-
US warned Iran that ISIS-K was preparing attack ahead of deadly Kerman blasts, a US official says
-
Biden unveils nearly $5 billion in new infrastructure projects