The Obama family is in mourning as their personal chef, Tafari Campbell, was tragically found dead following a paddleboarding trip near their vacation home. Campbell, who previously served as a White House chef, disappeared beneath the water while paddleboarding on a lake in Martha’s Vineyard.
Massachusetts State Police responded to the scene, stating, “A call was received about a male paddleboarder who went into the water, appeared to struggle briefly to stay afloat, and then submerged without resurfacing.” After an overnight search, Campbell’s body was discovered the next morning.
Campbell had formerly worked as a sous chef at the White House before becoming the personal cook for the Obamas. Fortunately, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama were not present at the time of the incident.
Sherise Campbell/Instagram
In a heartfelt statement, the Obamas expressed their sorrow, describing Campbell as “a beloved part of our family” and sharing that their “hearts are broken that he’s gone.”
Barack Obama Says Michelle Told Their Daughters to Avoid a Career in Politics
The former president and first lady are parents to two daughters.
At a high-profile fundraiser for President Joe Biden in Los Angeles on Saturday, former President Barack Obama was asked if his daughters might follow in his footsteps into politics.
“That is a question I do not need to answer because [former first lady] Michelle [Obama] ingrained in them early on that it would be crazy to go into politics. It will never happen,” the 62-year-old father of two remarked.
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“They’re powerful young women,” Biden commented, noting that some of his grandchildren are close friends with the Obama sisters.
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Malia Obama, the eldest daughter, is pursuing a career in screenwriting and directing. The 25-year-old made her red carpet debut at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year in January, presenting her short film, “The Heart.”
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Younger sister Sasha Obama graduated from the University of Southern California in May 2023 and recently turned 23. To celebrate, proud mom Michelle Obama shared a special birthday tribute on Instagram.
“Happy birthday, Sasha! You make me so incredibly proud,” the former first lady wrote, accompanying a photo of the mother-daughter duo embracing. “Hope this year brings you everything you want and more. Love you. 💕.”
In honor of Father’s Day, Barack Obama posted a family snapshot on Instagram, showing him with his wife and children posing in front of a waterfall.
“Happy Father’s Day! The most fulfilling job I’ve ever had is being Sasha and Malia’s dad. To all those lucky enough to take on the role of being a father, I hope you enjoy your day,” he wrote in the caption.
