Barack and Michelle’s former White House sous-chef has been identified as the man found dead after a paddle-boarding accident at the Obamas’ Martha’s Vineyard estate.
Tafari Campbell’s body was recovered by divers Monday after disappearing into the pond adjacent to Barack Obama’s sprawling $12 million estate.
The 43-year-old disappeared Sunday night while out with another paddleboarder on Edgartown Great Pond, Massachusetts, and rescue workers were dispatched to Obama’s residence.
In a statement, Michelle and Barack Obama said that Campbell — who was married and had 19-year-old twins — was one of the top chefs in the White House kitchen: “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 his ability to bring people together.” In the years that followed, we came to know him as a warm, funny and extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little bit better.”
“Therefore, as we prepared 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 it breaks our hearts that he’s gone.”
Tafari Campbell, 43, (pictured with wife Sherise) was found dead by divers Monday after she went missing while paddling on the pond adjacent to Barack Obama’s sprawling $12 million estate.
Experienced operator: Tafari Campbell worked while the Obamas were in the White House from 2009 to 2017
Campbell (seen in White House-produced video) became a “beloved member” of the Obama household
Witnesses first told police Sunday night that a man, later identified as Campbell, went underwater and then briefly resurfaced while struggling to stay afloat before going under again around 7.46pm.
The witness – who has not been identified – was paddling with Campbell on Edgartown Great Pond.
When a 911 call was received from Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard home on Turkeyland Cove Road, a large-scale joint search was launched.
The search for the revered chef, who was last seen in all black with no life jacket, continued Monday morning.
His paddle board and hat were recovered on Sunday – and his body was found in the eight-foot-deep waters about 100 feet from shore around 10 a.m. Monday.
The return address for the incident was from Obama’s home, Martha’s Waterfront Vineyard. It’s unclear if the former president, 61, currently resides at the property.
Campbell was last seen paddling the water in the pond behind Barack Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard estate just before 8 p.m. before falling underwater
Search vehicles were spotted on Turkeyland Cove Road on Sunday evening. A joint search operation began last night at Edgartown Great Pond
Emergency crews rushed to the scene of the accident in Martha’s Vineyard last night. The 911 call and return address for the incident are believed to have come from Obama’s Martha’s Vineyard home
Pictured: Edgartown Great Pond. The scene of the desperate search for Campbell opened after a paddleboarder disappeared in the water off Martha’s Vineyard on Sunday
The salvage mission was located just yards from former President Obama’s seven-bedroom Massachusetts home — a 6,892-square-foot waterfront mansion (pictured).
Massachusetts State Police said, “Just before 10 a.m. the body of the missing paddle boarder was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond by Massachusetts State Police divers.”
“Divers from the MSP Underwater Recovery Unit performed the recovery after the victim’s body was located by Massachusetts Environmental Police officers using side-scan sonar from a boat.”
The US Coast Guard, Edgartown Fire, Air Wing, detectives and the Dukes County Sheriff’s Department were all involved in the rescue mission.
They used divers and boats with side-scan sonar to find the paddleboarder. Investigators were on site – as were USCG helicopter crews.
According to the state police, the environmental police located the body using sonar from a boat.
A command post has been established at Wilson’s Landing, which is across the narrow bay from Obama’s mansion.
Just after noon, Edgartown Police just confirmed that Wilson’s Landing had reopened. The Edgartown Great Pond is an 890-acre body of water.
The investigation into the man’s death is being conducted by state police in conjunction with the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office and the Edgartown Police Department.
A 911 call Sunday night said: “Fire and water rescue personnel from Edgartown, Turkeyland Cove Road. A 40-year-old man is at risk of drowning.”
A view of Obama’s home from Turkeyland Cove, where Campbell worked as Obama’s personal chef
The search for the missing paddleboarder takes place near Barack Obama’s home. The former president bought the mansion pictured here in 2019
A helicopter that is part of the search mission can be seen over the area on Monday morning
Edgartown Police said in a statement at 10pm last night: “EPD is assisting multiple authorities in the search for a missing adult male paddle boarder in the Edgartown Great Pond.”
“Please stay clear of this area and allow officers to conduct their search.”
The rescue mission is just yards from former President Obama’s seven-bedroom Massachusetts home — a 6,892-square-foot mansion right on the water.
He bought the Martha’s Vineyard home in 2019 for $11.75 million.
The massive property was previously owned by Boston Celtics owner Wycliffe Grousbeck.
Outside, the property has its own private beach and boathouse
Your home sits on the edge of Edgartown Great Pond overlooking the Atlantic Ocean
The former first family is no stranger to the island — they spent seven summers there when Barack was president
The massive property features a swimming pool, outdoor fire pit, and vaulted ceilings.
There are also two wings extending from the main house, perfect for guest accommodation.
Outside, the property has its own private beach and boathouse.
Your home sits on the edge of Edgartown Great Pond overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
The former first family is no stranger to the island — they spent seven summers there when Barack was president.
Obama is also an avid paddleboarder – and over the years has been photographed practicing the sport while vacationing in Hawaii.
The Obama Foundation was contacted by for comment.
The Secret Service did not comment.