The body of a personal chef for former President Barack Obama was found in a pond near the Obamas’ home on Martha’s Vineyard on Monday morning.
Campbell was visiting Martha’s Vineyard at the time of his death and was reported missing early Sunday evening after going paddleboarding. Massachusetts State Police divers recovered the body of 45-year-old Tafari Campbell from Edgartown Great Pond.
The recovery was made approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet. The Police deployed side-scan sonar from a boat in the rescue operation and he was found shortly before 10am.
Barack and Michelle Obama issued a statement reacting to the death of Campbell, who they described as warm, fun, and extraordinarily kind.
“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.
“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 statement 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.”
According to the Police, President Obama and his wife were not at the residence at the time of the accident. a Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers deploying side-scan sonar from a boat.
The State Police Detective Unit for the Cape and Islands District and Edgartown Police are investigating his death.
READ OTHER STORIES:
One Killed, Two Arrested Over Deadly Attack On Policemen In Delta
Troops Raid IPOB Camps In Anambra, Arrest Nine
Troops Rescue 13 Kidnap Victims In Abia
Prince Harry’s Lavish Gifts To Meghan Markle
Four Suspected Boko Haram Terrorists In Plot To Attack Atiku, Others In Yola Arrested