The Tragic Death of Former White House Cook Was an Accident

The death of Walter Scheib, 11-years White House cook was ruled an accident by police officials, after day-long mystery shrouded his sudden disappearance.

His death was caused by drowning in a mountain stream during his solo hike in New Mexico. State Police Sergeant Elizabeth Armijo stated for the press that following the autopsy there were no signs of attack or assault or murder.

Walter Scheib’s death happened to be an unfortunate accident caused probably by a slip on the rocky slippery rocks of the mountains region where he was hiking.

Aged 61, the former White House cook had moved residence from Florida to Taos. Usually, he was an enthusiast of hikes and would go alone to enjoy nature. After he left for the solo hike in New Mexico, Scheib’s girlfriend reported to the Taos Police that he hadn’t returned home.

Searches ensued and three days later, Walter Scheib’s car was found near the Yerba Canyon, pointing to the trail that descends in the canyon before it goes all the way up to 3,700 feet.

The U.S. National Guard and the U.S. Air force participated in the search. One week later, their efforts seemed random against the high peaks, the dense flora and the deep canyons with their difficult terrain.

Last Thursday saw the most challenging moment of the search when a thunderstorm ceased air operations. Despite this drawback, ground troops continued and picked up a signal from Walter Scheib’s phone.

This helped in pinpointing the location where Walter Scheib would be found. It wasn’t until Sunday that his body was found by a dog which picked up the scent.

Walter Scheib did not wander off trail. His body was found only 25 yards from it, albeit hidden by the features of the terrain.

The former White House cook spent 11 flourishing years in the White House. Former first lady, Hillary Clinton had made his acquaintance when she visited a resort in West Virginia and was impressed by the chef’s skills.

Since then, Walter Scheib spent 11 years in the White House as the White House cook for both President Clinton and President George W. Bush. He delighted the presidential families and the White House guests with unique American cuisine brought to modern and contemporary standards.

Following the news of his tragic death, both presidential families under which the former White House cook has served announced their condolences and expressed their regrets.

Image Source: npr.org