A tragic accident unfolded over the weekend near the Obama family’s home on Martha’s Vineyard, where their personal chef, Tafari Campbell, died while paddleboarding, Massachusetts State Police reported Monday.
Chef’s Demise Sparks Hours-Long Search Operation
Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Va., was seen struggling in the water before his lifeless body was recovered about 100 feet from shore in the Edgartown Great Pond. The Massachusetts Environmental Police discovered him through the use of sonar during an intensive search operation that started on Sunday night and enlisted the support of multiple law enforcement agencies.
The Obamas, who were not at home during the unfortunate Obama chef dies incident, had employed Campbell as a sous chef during their time in the White House. Campbell continued to work for them after their tenure.
Unraveling the Tragic Incident
The emergency services in Edgartown sprung into action after receiving a call on Sunday evening about “a male paddleboarder who had struggled to stay afloat, subsequently submerging and failing to resurface,” state police detailed. Another individual paddleboarding with Campbell witnessed him disappear underwater.
