Barack Obama's Personal Chef Dead After Drowning

Martha's Vineyard African-American Film Festival Premiere of Descendant

EDGARTOWN, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 05: Barack Obama attends the premiere of Netflix’s Descendant during the Martha’s Vineyard African-American Film Festival at MV Performing Arts Center on August 05, 2022 in Edgartown, Massachusetts.

(Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images for Netflix)

Barack and Michelle Obama's personal chef Tafari Campbell has died. The chef drowned near the couple's Martha's Vineyard estate on Sunday (July 23), TMZ reports.

According to Massachusetts police, Campbell's body was found by divers Monday (July 24) after going missing Sunday night (July 23). He was paddleboarding at the time. His body was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond which is located near the Obama's estate.

"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," President Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama said in a statement, per ABC News. "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."

They added, "He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone. Today we join everyone who knew and loved Tafari -- especially his wife Sherise and their twin boys, Xavier and Savin -- in grieving the loss of a truly wonderful man."

Campbell was visiting Martha's Vineyard at the time of his death, police said. The Obamas were not at the home when the incident occurred, according to Massachusetts State Police. The chef's body was found 100 feet from shore and 8 feet below the surface. Campbell was not wearing a life jacket, police said per the Associated Press.

Campbell is survived by his wife and their twin boys.

The 44th president of the United States of America, Barack Obama, was the first African-American president but throughout his time in office as well as before and after, Obama has been continuously making a difference. Through these 10 facts about Obama and his legacy, you'll see that he is more than just the first Black president of the United States but the interests outside of the office and personal life shape his relatability, hard work, and love for America.

Take a look at 10 facts you might not know about Barak Obama:

10. Barack Obama's name has a special meaning.

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The name Barack means “one who is blessed” in Swahili.

9. Michelle and Barack have a multi-year deal with Netflix.

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The deal was made back in 2018 between the streaming platform and the power couple. “Barack and I have always believed in the power of storytelling to inspire us, to make us think differently about the world around us, and to help us open our minds and hearts to others,” Mrs. Obama said per Essence. “Netflix’s unparalleled service is a natural fit for the kinds of stories we want to share, and we look forward to starting this exciting new partnership.”

8. He is left-handed.

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Obama is one of eight presidents that are left-handed. Prior to Obama's presidency, James Garfield, Herbert Hoover, Harry Truman, Gerald Ford, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush, and Bill Clinton are all left-handers.

7. He was the first Black editor of the Harvard Law Review.

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Obama was the first Black editor of the Harvard Law Review and was elected into the position in 1991. Obama attended Harvard Law School from 1988-1991.

Obama was the first Black editor of the Harvard Law Review and was elected in 1991. Obama attended Harvard Law School from 1988-1991.

6. He has two Grammys.

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Obama has won two Grammys for "Dreams From My Father" in 2005 and "The Audacity Of Hope: Thoughts On Reclaiming The American Dream" in 2007. Both memoirs won the category "Best Spoken Word Album."

5. He won a Noble Peace Prize.

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Obama won a Noble Peace prize in 2009 "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

4. Michelle Was His Mentor.

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When the couple initially met, Michelle Obama was actually Barack's mentor at a Chicago law firm where they were apart of a summer associateship program together.

When the couple initially met, Michelle Obama was actually Barack's boss.

3. He has written four books.

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Obama has written four books, "The Audacity of Hope", "Dreams of My Father", "Change We Can Believe In", "Of Thee I Sing", and "A Promise Land." "A Promise Land" is the best selling presidential memoir of all-time.

Obama has written 4 books, "The Audacity of Hope", "Dreams of My Father", "Change We Can Believe In", "Of Thee I Sing", and "A Promise Land". "A Promise Land" is the best selling presidential memoir of all-time.

2. Secret Service used to call the President "Renegade"

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Secret Service had a special moniker for the President and it was "Renegade." Obama got the idea from the 1989 film 'Renegades' that he used to enjoy watching on the "sleepless nights on board the Obama ’08 bus."

Secret Service had a special moniker for the President and it was "Renegade". Obama got the idea from the 1989 film Renegades that he used to enjoy watching on the "sleepless nights on board the Obama ’08 bus."

1. Being a father is one of his greatest accomplishments.

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Barack says through all of his achievements and accolades, his role as a father is his greatest feat. “Of all that I’ve done in my life, I’m most proud to be your dad.” Barack is the father to Malia and Sasha Obama with his wife Michelle of nearly 30 years.

Barack Obama