The cause and manner of death for Tafari Campbell, former President Obama’s longtime personal chef, have been released.
On July 23, the 45-year-old met his tragic end while paddleboarding on Great Edgartown Pond, Martha’s Vineyard. A female Obama staffer was reportedly with him at the time of the incident.
Campbell, who was known to be a swimmer, lost his balance and fell off his paddleboard into the water. Despite his desperate struggle to stay afloat, he eventually slipped beneath the surface, never to resurface again.
His body was later found in eight feet deep water. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner of Massachusetts has officially ruled Campbell’s cause of death as an “accident,” caused by drowning, due to submersion in a body of water.
What happened to Tafari Campbell the Obama’s chef? We want to know. Even though my account is being throttled I will still post. pic.twitter.com/coMR1WChGp
— Matthew Nichol (@MatthewNichol5) August 23, 2023
However, the circumstances surrounding Campbell’s death have raised more questions than answers.
The call log of the 911 distress call received on the night of the accident conspicuously omits the reason for the call. This omission is particularly puzzling, considering that all other calls made that night had their reasons clearly mentioned.
Adding to the mystery, the call’s origin was marked as Wilson’s Landing, a popular paddleboard launch site roughly two miles from the Obama residence on Turkeyland Cove.
This information contradicts the Massachusetts State Police records, which state that the first call originated from the Obamas’ residence.
In response to queries about the call log, Edgartown Police Chief Bruce McNamee speculated that this might be due to the call being made on a direct line rather than dialing 911, which would automatically generate location data.
However, this explanation has done little to quell the growing public curiosity and concern.
🚨 WHAT IS GOING ON WITH THE CASE REGARDING THE OBAMA’S PRIVATE CHEF WHO DIED “PADDLE BOARDING”?!? 🚨
⚠️ IT’S BEEN OVER 4 WEEKS SINCE WE WERE PROMISED A “TOXICOLOGY REPORT” ON TAFARI CAMPBELL AND STILL NOTHING ⚠️
ALL THE HALLMARKS OF A COVER-UP!
Did the medical examiner find… pic.twitter.com/cfRIFDxbiM
— Matt Wallace (@MattWallace888) August 22, 2023
The Massachusetts state police have been accused of covering up basic information regarding the incident.
Justin Silverman, the head of the region’s First Amendment coalition, explained that police are abusing the public records law after ruling out foul play.
He stated, “The burden is on law enforcement to show how their investigation may be jeopardized by releasing certain information and they’re not doing that right now. This really flies in the face of Public Records Law.”
Despite the mounting pressure, investigative officials have remained tight-lipped, citing the state Public Records Law that allows them to withhold materials that could compromise investigative efforts if disclosed.
Major Susan Schofield, the supervisor of communications for the sheriff’s office, only made excuses when pressed by the media.
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