Crime & Safety
Obama Employee Dies In Martha's Vineyard Paddle Board Incident
Tafari Campbell, 45, was a cook for the Obama family at their Martha's Vineyard home.
EDGARTOWN, MA — A 45-year-old man who died while paddleboarding on Martha's Vineyard worked as a cook for the Obama family, according to Massachusetts state police.
Tafari Campbell, 45, went missing just before 8 p.m. Sunday after venturing out into Great Pond on a paddleboard. Witnesses saw him struggling near the surface of the water before going under.
A large search was launched Sunday and continued Monday morning, according to state police.
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"Campbell was employed by former President Obama and was visiting Martha’s Vineyard at the time of his passing. President and Mrs. Obama were not present at the residence at the time of the accident," state police said in an update Monday evening.
The pond is in Edgartown in the southeast part of the island. Campbell was from Dumfries, Va.
Find out what's happening in Across Massachusettsfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The Obamas bought their Martha's Vineyard home in 2020 for $11.75 million. The home sites on 30 acres along Great Pond between Slough Cove and Turkeyland Cove.
EPD is assisting multiple agencies searching for a missing adult male paddle boarder in Edgartown Great Pond. Please remain away from this area and allow emergency responders to perform their search.
— Edgartown Police (@edgartownpolice) July 24, 2023
Related: Girl, 17, Dies In Boat Crash In Dennis' Sesuit Harbor
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