Former President Barack Obama’s private chef has drowned close to the household’s dwelling on Martha’s Vineyard.

Massachusetts State Police confirmed that the paddleboarder whose physique was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond on Monday was Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Virginia.

Campbell was employed by the Obamas and was visiting Martha’s Vineyard. The Obamas weren’t current on the dwelling on the time of the accident.

In a press release, the previous president and his spouse, Michelle Obama, known as Campbell 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,” the couple stated. “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 seek for the lacking paddleboarder began Sunday after studies from a fellow paddleboarder that he had struggled on the floor, went underneath and did not resurface.

The search was paused late Sunday however on Monday state police stated sonar from a ship positioned the physique about 100 toes (30 metres) from shore at a depth of about 8 toes (2.4 metres). Campbell was not carrying a life jacket, police stated.

The Obamas stated Campbell is survived by his spouse and their twin boys.

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