The private chef of former president Barack Obama has drowned close to the household's house in Massachusetts.

The physique of 45-year-old Tafari Campbell was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond, close to the Obama's house on Martha's Vineyard on Monday.

The chef, from Virginia, was nonetheless employed by the Obama household, who weren't staying on the property on the time of the accident.

In an announcement, the previous president and his spouse Michelle Obama mentioned Mr Campbell was a "beloved part of our family".

They mentioned they'd requested the chef to stick with them after leaving the White House in 2017, the place he had labored as a sous chef.

"He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone," the Obamas mentioned, including that he was a "warm, fun and extraordinarily kind person".

The chef - and eager paddleboarder - had been reported lacking after a fellow paddleboarder reported seeing Mr Campbell battle, go below the water and never resurface on 24 July.

Police paused the search and on Monday confirmed a ship had positioned the physique round 30 meters (100ft) from the shore.

They mentioned he was not carrying a life jacket.

Mr Campbell is survived by his spouse Sherise and their twin boys, the Obamas mentioned.

Content Source: information.sky.com