Barack Obama's personal chef dies of drowning

The personal chef of Barack Obama reportedly died after drowning near the former United States president's home in Massachusetts.

The Associated Press reported that the body of Tafari Campbell, a paddleboarder, was recovered from Edgartown Great Pond near Martha's Vineyard island on July 24. He was 45.

Campbell was visiting the Obamas, who weren't at home when the accident happened.

In a statement, Obama and his wife Michelle said Campbell was a "beloved part of our family."

“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, adding they got to know Campbell as a "warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter.”

Obama noted that as they were getting ready to leave the White House, they asked Campbell to stay with them, and he "generously agreed."

"He’s been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he’s gone," the former president said.

Since July 23, there was a search for a missing paddleboarder after reports of going under and not resurfacing. Campbell was not wearing a life jacket, AP reported.

Campbell is survived by his wife and their twin boys, according to the Obamas.