The lifeless body of Tafari Campbell, known for being one of the chefs responsible for brewing the White House honey ale beer during the presidency of Barack Obama, was discovered Monday in the waters near the Martha’s Vineyard estate, owned by former president and former first lady Michelle Obama, as confirmed by the Massachusetts police.
Tragically, Tafari Campbell met with an accident while visiting Martha’s Vineyard, where he was reported missing while paddling in the waters. Massachusetts State Police launched a search operation near Obama’s residence upon receiving this disturbing news.
The search operation began at 7:46 p.m. Sunday after receiving a distress call from Martha’s Vineyard Police and Fire Department. The call reported a male paddleboarder in distress who briefly struggled to stay afloat before submerging and unable to resurface. Another padel was present and witnessed the incident.
Campbell’s body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond by Massachusetts State Police divers shortly after 10 a.m. Divers successfully located Campbell’s body using side-scan sonar from a boat, with assistance from Massachusetts Environmental Police officers.
Police said Campbell’s body was found about 100 feet offshore at a depth of about eight feet.
The investigation into this tragic incident is being handled by the Cape and Islands State Police Detective Unit and the Edgartown Police. Numerous agencies assisted in the search and recovery efforts. State police said agencies involved included Edgartown Fire and all other fire departments on the island, local police, state police patrols, Air Wing and detectives, the Dukes County Sheriff’s Department and the Coast Guard.
According to the newly released 9/11 call, Campbell was not wearing a life jacket. It is unknown who made the 9/11 call.
Jordan Schachtel found an Instagram post from 2017 that pointed out that Campbell couldn’t swim.
He found an IG post from 2017 in which Tafari Campbell, Obama’s chef, points out that he can’t swim.
Last power drowned on Martha’s Vineyard while reportedly paddle surfing with an unnamed person. It’s unclear why he couldn’t be helped in 8 feet of water.
very sad pic.twitter.com/MrqiCoFcwq
— Jordan Schachtel @ dossier.today (@JordanSchachtel) July 24, 2023
There was a second padel nearby and it is unknown if there are signs of foul play.
Campbell, 45, had previously worked as a sous chef at the White House during Obama’s tenure, showcasing his culinary talent and passion for food, particularly using honey from Michelle Obama’s famed South Lawn garden. After his time in the White House, the Obamas loved Campbell’s skills and sought him out to be their personal chef, an offer he generously accepted. Over the years, she became an integral part of the Obamas’ lives, earning their love and respect for her warm, kind and funny personality that brightened their days.
In their moment of grief, the Obamas released a heartfelt statement expressing their deep grief at the loss of a beloved family member. They offered their condolences to Campbell’s wife, Sherise, and his twins, Xavier and Savin, who must now bear this profound loss.
“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 a part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone,” the Obamas said. “Today we join with all who knew and loved Tafari, especially his wife Sherise and his twins, Xavier and Savin, in mourning the loss of a truly wonderful man.”
The investigation into this tragic death is being conducted by the Cape and Islands District State Police Detective Unit and Edgartown Police. While Campbell’s death is a devastating blow to those who knew and loved him, his legacy as an exceptionally talented and kind-hearted person will be fondly remembered by all.
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