Current:Home > MarketsObamas' "beloved" chef found dead in Martha's Vineyard lake after going missing while paddleboarding -Elevate Capital Network
Obamas' "beloved" chef found dead in Martha's Vineyard lake after going missing while paddleboarding
View
Date:2025-04-12 17:49:56
A missing paddleboarder whose body was recovered from a Martha's Vineyard lake Monday has been identified as a "beloved" employee of former President Barack Obama and his family.
Tafari Campbell, 45, worked in the White House and the Obamas considered him part of their family, the former president and first lady said in a joint statement. When the Obamas were getting ready to leave the White House, they asked him to keep working for them.
"He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone," the Obamas said.
The Obamas have a residence on Martha's Vineyard, but they were not at the home at the time of Campbell's death, Massachusetts State Police said. Campbell was visiting the area at the time of the incident.
Campbell, who was from Dumfries, Virginia, was seen struggling in the water of Edgartown Great Pond Sunday night before he went under, CBS Boston reported.
Searchers spent hours looking for Campbell on Sunday night, police said. The searchers included divers and flight and boat crews. His body was recovered on Monday morning from Edgartown Great Pond. The recovery was made approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet.
Campbell is survived by a wife and twin boys, the Obamas said.
"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 said in their joint statement. "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."
Campbell's wife posted Tuesday on Instagram, saying, "My heart is broken."
"My life and our family's life is forever changed. Please pray for me and our families as I deal with the loss of my husband."
View this post on InstagramA post shared by Sweet Sage (@sweetsagellc)
Aliza Chasan is a digital producer at 60 Minutes and CBS News.
TwitterveryGood! (32234)
Related
- $73.5M beach replenishment project starts in January at Jersey Shore
- A boil-water notice has been lifted in Jackson, Miss., after nearly 7 weeks
- Dirtier Than Coal? Under Fire, Institute Clarifies Its Claim About Biomass
- Every Royally Adorable Moment of Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis at the Coronation
- Paula Abdul settles lawsuit with former 'So You Think You Can Dance' co
- Anti-abortion groups are getting more calls for help with unplanned pregnancies
- Here's what will happen at the first White House hunger summit since 1969
- The number of hungry people has doubled in 10 countries. A new report explains why
- Civic engagement nonprofits say democracy needs support in between big elections. Do funders agree?
- The Experiment Aiming To Keep Drug Users Alive By Helping Them Get High More Safely
Ranking
- 'Most Whopper
- How to stop stewing about something you've taken (a little too) personally
- The first abortion ban passed after Roe takes effect Thursday in Indiana
- Chris Christie announces 2024 presidential campaign by going after Trump
- Biden administration makes final diplomatic push for stability across a turbulent Mideast
- Princess Charlene and Prince Albert of Monaco Make Rare Appearance At King Charles III's Coronation
- Kate Middleton's Look at King Charles III and Queen Camilla's Coronation Is Fit for a Princess
- Here's what the FDA says contributed to the baby formula shortage crisis
Recommendation
South Korea's acting president moves to reassure allies, calm markets after Yoon impeachment
Astrud Gilberto, The Girl from Ipanema singer who helped popularize bossa nova, dead at 83
How to Watch King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla’s Coronation on TV and Online
Why Queen Camilla Officially Dropped Her Consort Title After King Charles III’s Coronation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Trump the Environmentalist?
Astrud Gilberto, The Girl from Ipanema singer who helped popularize bossa nova, dead at 83
Pregnant Bachelor Nation Star Becca Kufrin Reveals Sex of First Baby With Fiancé Thomas Jacobs