Tafari Campbell, former U.S. President Barack Obama’s chief, drowned after an accident involving a paddleboard on the evening of July 23.
According to the Independent, a 911 call recorded a frantic effort by staff to save Campbell from drowning near the former president's Martha’s Vineyard estate.
Tafari Campbell, a seasoned 45-year-old chef, fell from his paddleboard into the waters of Edgartown Great Pond. Despite the efforts of the Secret Service agents to immediately respond, they could not rescue him. Campbell's body was ultimately recovered the following morning using sonar technology approximately 100 feet from shore and submerged eight feet deep.
The released 911 call captures the urgency and desperation of the incident. The call was made by a Secret Service agent, who was identified only as Dave. He urgently reported to emergency services about a "male drowning in the back of the property."
Rescue operations were swiftly initiated, with Secret Service agents and potentially other estate staff transforming into rescue swimmers. However, their attempts to locate and save Campbell proved futile as darkness and water conditions hampered their efforts.
Agent Dave later communicated to dispatchers that they could not ascertain Campbell's whereabouts despite being present in the water.
Before his tragic demise, Campbell had a distinguished career as a sous chef at the White House. After the Obama presidency, he continued to work closely with the family, a testament to his culinary prowess and deep personal bond with them.
The Obama family expressed their grief through a heartfelt statement. They remembered Campbell as an employee and a cherished family member, illustrating the profound connections he had established with them over the years.
The Obamas stated:
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. 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.
Tafari Campbell is survived by his wife, Sherise, and their twin sons, Xavier and Savin, whom he adored immensely. The loss dealt a significant blow not only to his family but also to all who knew him as a vibrant and passionate individual.
The tragic event has echoed across the Martha's Vineyard community and beyond, drawing responses filled with sympathy and remembrance for a man greatly admired in his professional and personal life.
The impact of Campbell’s untimely departure continues to resonate as time passes. His culinary creations and warm presence at Obama's residence left many with cherished memories, now eclipsed by his tragic loss.
In conclusion, the community, friends, and the Obama family come together to mourn Tafari Campbell's devastating loss. He remains celebrated for his culinary talents and treasured for his character, both of which made him an integral part of the lives he touched.
