Obama Chef's Martha's Vineyard Death Ruled An Accident: Reports

MARTHA'S VINEYARD, VA — The Martha's Vineyard drowning death of a 45-year-old Virginia man who worked as a cook for the Obama family has been ruled an accident, the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security told multiple outlets.

Tafari Campbell, who was from Dumfries, Virginia, drowned while paddle boarding on Edgartown Great Pond July 23, police said. He went missing just before 8 p.m. after witnesses saw him struggling near the water's surface before going under, according to police.

"Campbell was employed by former President Obama and was visiting Martha’s Vineyard at the time of his passing," state police said the day after Campbell's death. "President and Mrs. Obama were not present at the residence at the time of the accident."

The pond in which Campbell drowned is in Edgartown in the southeast part of the island.

In a tribute shared on Instagram in the days following Campbell's death, former President Obama wrote that he would "miss [Campbell] every day."

"Tafari Campbell showed us what true character looks like," Obama wrote. "He believed that actions speak louder than words. And he used his immense gifts to bring people together, provide comfort, and spread joy."

Campbell was also a former sous chef for the White House, according to his LinkedIn.

The Obamas bought their Martha's Vineyard home in 2020 for $11.75 million. The home sits on 30 acres along Great Pond between Slough Cove and Turkeyland Cove.