The demise of Tafari Campbell, the personal chef for the Obama family, has been ruled an accident.
Timothy McGuirk, a spokesman for the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, told The Washington Post that the judgment was the result of an investigation conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts.
However, he refused to provide any additional information on the basis that state law prohibits the dissemination of autopsy results.
Campbell died on July 23 while paddle surfing on Edgartown Great Pond, close to the Obamas’ $12 million Martha’s Vineyard estate.
The Boston Globe reports that the 45-year-old got into trouble after losing his balance and plunging into the water. He perished because he was not wearing a life jacket or attached to the board.
A female Obama family staff member was reportedly present at the scene but was unable to summon assistance in time.
Former president lamented his passing on Instagram, stating that he exemplified “what true character looks like.”
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“He believed that actions speak louder than words,” Obama wrote. “And he used his immense gifts to bring people together, provide comfort, and spread joy. I’ll miss him every day.”
Former first lady Michelle Obama echoed these sentiments, referring to Campbell as a “friend.”
“I will miss my friend, Tafari…the emptiness is hard,” she wrote. “But I promise to stay strong, keep living, and honor your legacy in every way possible. Rest in peace, my brother.”
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Campbell worked as sous chef at the White House during the Obama presidency and went to work for the family after he left office in 2017. CONTINUE READING…