evidence: The Obamas, who were reportedly in Martha’s Vineyard at the time of the incident but not home at their $12 million Turkeyland Cove estate, have since paid tribute to their late chef. "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," the former first family said. "In the years that followed, we got to know him as a warm, fun, extraordinarily kind person who made all of our lives a little brighter." "That's why, when we were getting ready to leave the White House, we asked Tafari to stay with us, and he generously agreed," the Obamas continued in a joint statement. "He's been part of our lives ever since, and our hearts are broken that he's gone."