Last week, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama conveyed their condolences and sorrow regarding the passing of their personal chef and longtime friend. However, it appears that they have moved on promptly.
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Earlier, the Massachusetts State Police reported that Tafari Campbell, 45, of Dumfries, Va., was found a week ago in Edgartown Great Pond after an extensive search. According to police, Campbell was paddleboarding near the Obamas’ residence in Martha’s Vineyard without wearing a life jacket. He was eventually found in about eight feet of water.
The authorities have ruled out foul play in the incident.
As per a Daily Mail report, the former president was spotted leaving his $12 million property for the first time on Wednesday and was seen heading out again on Friday morning. Michelle, meanwhile, was observed at the Farm Neck country club in nearby Oak Bluffs, enjoying tennis with her friends.
Later on the same morning, Barack was seen playing a round at the members-only Vineyard Golf Club in a photo that made the rounds on social media and turned a lot of heads.
JUST IN: Barack and Michelle Obama were spotted for the first time since the mysterious death of their personal chef Tafari Campbell, playing golf and tennis.
They seem pretty distraught about his death.
Questions surrounding Campbell's death continue to swirl including why the… pic.twitter.com/g42foWsLrZ
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 28, 2023
Also last week, the Obamas released a statement expressing their sentiments about Campbell, who had been a part of their family for 14 years. They fondly described him as a beloved member of their household.
“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,” they said. “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.”
According to an eyewitness who was with Campbell at the time, he was seen standing on his paddleboard when he lost his balance and fell into the water. The witness recounted that Campbell attempted to stay above water but unfortunately went under.
The paddleboarder informed investigators that they tried to swim to Campbell’s location but were unable to reach him in time, as reported by Fox News.