Following the untimely death of Barack Obama's personal chef, Tafari Campbell, his cause of death has been revealed.
The authorities in Edgartown, Massachusetts, confirmed on Monday (July 24) that a search for an unidentified man had concluded after a body was recovered from Great Pond, which is situated close to the Obamas' residence on Martha's Vineyard.
The man was later identified as 45-year-old Tafari Campbell, who had not only served as a skilled sous chef at the White House but also become an integral part of the Obama family as their personal chef.
The Obama family was not at the residence when Campbell tragically lost his life.
The Massachusetts Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has officially determined that Campbell's cause of death was "submersion in a body of water," categorizing the manner of his passing as a deeply unfortunate accident, as reported by the New York Post.
Although the detailed findings of the autopsy have not been disclosed in accordance with state policy, Timothy McGuirk, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, confirmed this information to the Washington Post.
Despite the heartbreaking circumstances, both Barack and Michelle Obama expressed their condolences through a poignant statement. "Tafari was a beloved part of our family," the former first couple shared, as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
"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," their tribute continued. They explained that their deep connection with him led them to invite him to continue serving as their personal chef even after leaving the White House.
The statement went on: "He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari — especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin — in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man."
Tafari was known for his love of paddleboarding and his involvement in crafting ales using honey from the beehives set up by Michelle Obama in 2012. The famous White House Honey Brown Ale, a product of his craftsmanship, was the first alcoholic beverage produced on the White House grounds, as announced by Mr. Obama's office at the time, per the Independent.
Campbell's wife, Sherise, took to social media to express her grief over the loss of her husband of 23 years. Sharing a photo of Campbell with a radiant smile, she simply captioned it with the word "Heartbroken." Another photo captured a poignant moment with her husband and their teenage sons, all dressed in matching attire.
Our thoughts continue to be with Campbell's loved ones during this difficult time.
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