Tafari Campbell, the Obama family chef, died in a paddleboarding accident on the Obamas’ Martha’s Vineyard property. The accident happened in the town’s Great Pond, a portion of which happens to sit in the Obamas’ estate. Another paddleboarder witnessed Campbell struggling before the accident but could not reach him in time to save him. Police in Edgartown, Massachusetts confirmed that a search had been called off after the body of a then-unidentified 45-year-old African American man was found.
The Obama family released a statement referencing Tafari Campbell as part of their family. They go on to say that their heart is broken. He had been with the Obamas since The White House as a Sous Chef. The Obamas offered him a job to come chef at their home when they left office in 2017 and he accepted. He had been with them ever since.
Campbell left behind a wife and twin boys, Xavier and Savin. There is at least one social media post featuring Campbell swimming in a variety of ways in a swimming pool, which sort of puts to rest internet rumors about his inability to swim. He was also an avid golfer. In relation to the accident, there are rumors of foul play but no such evidence has surfaced to substantiate that.
SOURCES:
BREAKING: Man found dead on Obama estate identified as Obama’s personal chef | The Post Millennial | thepostmillennial.com
Obama Chef Dies While Paddleboarding on Martha’s Vineyard – The New York Times
Obamas’ chef Tafari Campbell dies in paddleboarding accident – BBC News
Obamas’ personal chef drowns near family’s home on Martha’s Vineyard | AP News
Who was Tafari Campbell, Obamas’ personal chef who drowned at their home? | World News – Hindustan Times
Tafari Campbell: Former White House chef and Obama employee found dead at Martha’s Vineyard pond, police say | CNN
