The man who died near Barack Obama’s sprawling Massachusetts estate has been identified.
A body belonging to a man in his 40s was found within walking distance from the former president’s $12 million estate on Martha’s Vineyard following a paddle boarding accident.
The victim has since been identified as 45-year-old Tafari Campbell, a White House chef who worked in the presidential mansion from 2009 to 2017.
Throughout the years, Campbell allegedly became a “beloved member” of the Obama family, and he stayed in their household as their personal chef after Barack’s presidency came to an end.
“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,” Barack and Michelle Obama wrote in a joint statement after the sad news.
“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.”
Paying a tribute to the beloved chef and a father-of-two were also staffers at Edgartown Meat and Fish Market where the 45-year-old often shopped for fresh produce.
“We saw him last week, he was such a nice and happy guy. He didn’t seem to live here but would be here a lot in summer and fall, and bought various things,” one worker said.
The employee added: “When he came in he would chat to us about what he was cooking up. One of the things he would always special order is juice — orange juice and strawberry lemonade.
“He was nice and quiet, it’s awful to hear that’s happened to him.”
Tafari is survived by wife Sherise and their 19-year-old twin sons. Our thoughts remain with the chef’s loved ones during this challenging time.