Obamas mourn their chef and ‘good friend’ Tafari Campbell who drowned whereas paddleboarding

Former President Barack Obama and spouse Michelle mourned the demise of the household’s private chef, Tafari Campbell, whom they hailed as a “good friend” with “immense presents” — greater than every week after he drowned while paddleboarding in Martha’s Winery.

Obama, 62, on Thursday shared a photograph of himself posing with Campbell and his spouse, Sherise, round Christmastime, writing within the accompanying post: “Tafari Campbell confirmed us what true character appears to be like like.”

“He believed that actions converse louder than phrases,” the message continued. “And he used his immense presents to deliver folks collectively, present consolation, and unfold pleasure. I’ll miss him day by day.”

Michelle Obama additionally paid tribute to Campbell in a separate Instagram post, writing: “I’ll miss my good friend, Tafari…the vacancy is difficult. However I promise to remain robust, preserve dwelling, and honor your legacy in each manner attainable. Relaxation in peace, my brother.”

The 59-year-old former first girl shared a photograph of herself and Barack posing with Campbell in his white chef’s coat, and one other picture of the beaming prepare dinner displaying off a wicker platter crammed with numerous mouthwatering dishes.

Campbell, 45, was discovered useless on July 24 in 8 ft of water about 100 ft from the shore of the Obamas’ summer season property on Edgartown Nice Pond.

In keeping with a witness account, Campbell was not sporting a life vest and was not tethered to his paddleboard when he misplaced his steadiness and fell into the water, the place he was seen struggling to remain afloat, in line with officers.

One other paddleboarder frantcially tried to save Campbell, however “didn’t attain him in time,” the Massachusetts State police stated in an announcement final week.

The would-be rescuer then swam to shore and referred to as for assist.

The Obamas weren’t residence on the time of their worker’s deadly drowning.

Within the tragedy’s instant aftermath, Barack and Michelle launched a short joint assertion mourning Campbell’s loss.

“Tafari was a beloved a part of our household,” they stated. “Right now we be part of everybody who knew and beloved Tafari — particularly his spouse Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin — in grieving the lack of a really great man.”

The investigation into Campbell’s demise has been accomplished and no proof was discovered to recommend foul play, police stated.

Authorities had been nonetheless awaiting Campbell’s toxicology report, which may take weeks.

Campbell first labored as a sous chef on the White Home, starting underneath George W. Bush and staying by Obama’s each phrases in workplace. He was later employed because the Obama household’s private chef.