The Boston Globe reported that “Campbell was standing on his paddleboard when he misplaced his steadiness and fell off. He struggled to stay afloat earlier than slipping beneath the water. Campbell was not sporting a life jacket and wasn’t secured to his board. Campbell’s physique was present in about 8 toes of water.”
In keeping with the Boston paper, on the night of July 23, an unidentified lady wasn’t capable of help Campbell after she noticed him go beneath. A rescue swimmer, presumably a separate individual, additionally tried to search out Campbell however couldn’t, in keeping with the Globe. Boat crews, dive groups and even a Coast Guard helicopter looked for Campbell that night time, in keeping with the paper. Campbell’s physique was recovered the next morning.
In keeping with a spokeswoman for the previous president and first girl, the Obamas “weren’t current on the residence on the time of the accident.”
The Washington Publish has not but confirmed the main points of the accident.
Campbell’s loss of life left his pals and family members in a state of shock. Tributes got here from the Obamas, former White Home chef and coverage adviser Sam Kass, and lots of others who knew or labored with Campbell.
A local of New York, Campbell studied the culinary arts at Northern Virginia Neighborhood Faculty, Kass stated. However Campbell additionally had mentors contained in the White Home kitchen, together with government chef Cristeta Comerford and assistant chef Tommy Kurpradit. Campbell cooked for 2 presidents as a sous chef from 2007 to 2016.
Those that labored with Campbell famous not solely his meticulous nature, but additionally his humorousness.
Campbell was additionally married to a chef. Sherise Campbell has her personal baking and catering firm referred to as Sweet Sage. The couple have twin sons, Xavier and Savin, who’re younger adults.
The Obamas had launched a press release shortly after Campbell’s loss of life, calling him “a beloved a part of our household.”
Just a few days later, Barack Obama issued one other tribute on his Instagram account.
“Tafari Campbell confirmed us what true character appears like. He believed that actions communicate louder than phrases. And he used his immense presents to deliver individuals collectively, present consolation, and unfold pleasure,” the previous president wrote. “I’ll miss him every single day.”
Emily Heil contributed to this report.
