The body of a missing paddleboarder off Martha’s Vineyard has been found by authorities.
Using divers, boats with side-scan sonar, and helicopters from the Massachusetts State Police and Coast Guard, the body of a 45-year-old man, identified as Tafari Campbell from Dumfries, Virginia, was located shortly before 10 a.m.
He was reported missing on Sunday while visiting Martha’s Vineyard.
It has been noted that Campbell was employed by former President Obama at the time of the incident, according to State Police.
Authorities confirm that former President and Mrs. Obama were not at the residence during the time of the incident.
In a statement, Michelle and Barack Obama said Campbell – who was married with 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 its ability to bring people together. 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.’
The body was recovered approximately 100 feet from shore at a depth of about eight feet.
According to state police, another paddleboarder witnessed the man going under the water, briefly struggling to stay on the surface, and then submerging below the water.
The search for the man began around 8 p.m. on Sunday, but it was temporarily paused to give divers and flight teams an opportunity to regroup and reevaluate the situation overnight.
On Monday morning, the state police underwater recovery unit and the Massachusetts Environmental Police resumed the search.
At this time, the man’s identity is not being disclosed, and the investigation into his death is still ongoing.
This is a developing story that will be updated when more information is available.
Obama’s personal chef, Tafari Campbell, found dead after drowning near the former president’s Martha’s Vineyard home