Barack and Michelle Obama's personal chef passed away in a drowning incident on Martha Vineyard.
Tafari Campbell's body was recovered by Massachusetts State Police from Edgartown Great Pond on Monday, which is located near the Obamas' home on the island. The Associated Press adds that the former First Family was "not present at the home at the time of the accident."
The search for Campbell began on Sunday after another paddleboarder stated that the 45-year-old went under and did not resurface after struggling. After pausing the search party on Sunday night, authorities continued the pursuit to locate Campbell the following morning.
Police reported that his body was found around 100 feet from the shore and about 8 feet deep. He did not have a life vest.
The Obama family released a statement on the tragic loss. "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," the Obamas wrote. They described Campbell as a "warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter."
They continued, "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.”
The twins are reportedly 19 years old. Per Page Six, Sherise took to her Instagram Stories to mourn the death of her husband, writing "heartbroken💔" with a picture of her late partner smiling over some immaculately prepared food. On the next slide, she shared a sweet picture of her sons smiling with their dad as he stood in the middle.
