In a shocking revelation, records obtained by the government watchdog group, Judicial Watch, through the Massachusetts Public Records law, have indicated that the personal chef of former President Barack Obama, Tafari Campbell, was found drowned near Obama's residence last month, with his clothes discovered separately from his body.
The records, a total of 18 pages from the Edgarton, Massachusetts, Police Department, were obtained by Judicial Watch on Thursday. Although many details about Campbell's drowning on July 23 were redacted, the records did reveal that sonar technology was used to locate the chef's body.
Intriguingly, the records also noted that Campbell was not wearing a life vest at the time of his death. His body was discovered in a pond located behind Obama's Martha's Vineyard property last month.
A July 23 computer-aided dispatch Incident Report states, "Rev'vd a 911 call from the above noted RP [reporting person] who identified as a Secret Service member. RP is req [requesting] at least an ambulance response, unsure of the exact services needed." The report further documents the deployment of a zodiac boat and a rescue swimmer following the request for an ambulance.
"RP adv no lifevest was worn, they have recovered the paddle board and clothing," the report states. "Still no contact with missing party. They still have a boat and rescue swimmers in the area."
The records also reveal that at 8:25 p.m., the Oak Bluffs Fire Department deployed a diving team, while a Coast Guard helicopter and a state police helicopter were both deployed at 8:36 p.m.
The Massachusetts Chief Medical Examiner had previously confirmed that Campbell, age 45, died as the result of a drowning accident. Campbell was reportedly paddle boarding on Edgartown Great Pond prior to the incident. His body was recovered the following day by divers with the Massachusetts State Police.
Judicial Watch president, Tom Fitton, expressed concern over the circumstances surrounding Campbell's death. "It is concerning that Judicial Watch had to push and push for information on this tragic death, such as the new revelation that the Obamas Secret Service protection reported Mr. Campbell missing," he said.
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