New Questions Emerge in Drowning Death of Obama’s Former Chef, Judicial Watch Reveals

Fresh revelations have surfaced regarding the tragic drowning of Tafari Campbell, former White House chef and personal cook to Barack and Michelle Obama.

The information, obtained through Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests by the watchdog group Judicial Watch, is raising renewed public interest and scrutiny over how the incident was handled—and the possible involvement of the former president.

Campbell, who drowned while paddleboarding near the Obamas’ residence in Martha’s Vineyard in the summer of 2023, was accompanied by a female companion identified in the documents as “Ms. Taylor.”

According to newly released records, when Campbell went underwater, Secret Service agents struggled to launch boats to initiate a rescue.

Reports indicate that agents first attempted to use two different vessels—one of which had trouble lowering the motor and another that wouldn’t start—before ultimately borrowing a boat from a groundskeeper.

These delays reportedly cost crucial time during the rescue effort.

Adding to the intrigue, the interview of Ms. Taylor, a witness to the incident, was conducted in Barack Obama’s personal office.

While it is unclear if the former president was formally involved in the questioning, Fox News host Jesse Watters stated that Obama was present during the interview—an unusual detail that some have questioned as potentially influencing the witness’s account.

According to the documents obtained, surveillance footage captured Campbell shortly before he entered the water, and former President Obama is said to have arrived at the emergency scene shortly after Campbell was reported missing.

Further insights into Campbell’s background were also revealed. His family noted he had taken swimming lessons in 2019 but was still not considered a strong swimmer.

The incident occurred in Edgartown Great Pond, a location with water depths averaging 7 to 8 feet and described by eyewitnesses as “extremely murky.”

The eyewitness, an Obama staffer whose name was redacted in the documents, recounted seeing Campbell fall from his paddleboard, panic, and call for help before quickly disappearing beneath the surface. Despite her efforts to reach him, Campbell had already vanished underwater by the time she arrived at his location.

While law enforcement has not suggested any wrongdoing, the timing, setting, and the involvement of high-profile individuals continue to fuel speculation online.

Judicial Watch has stated that many names and locations in the files remain redacted, and they are continuing efforts to make more information public.

This tragedy has left many with lingering questions, and the new disclosures may only deepen the desire for transparency.

Tafari Campbell’s untimely passing remains a painful loss for his family and all who knew him.