By Sarah Mansheim
Walter Scheib, former White House chef and executive chef at The Greenbrier, has been found dead. Scheib, 61, was discovered near Taos, NM, where he had disappeared while hiking. He had recently moved to the Taos area.
According to a press release from the State of New Mexico Department of Public Safety, Scheif had reportedly gone hiking on Saturday, June 13, and on Tuesday, June 16, a family member reported him missing to the Taos Police Department. His vehicle was located on June 16 in a parking area at the Yerba Canyon Trailhead, and deputies from the Taos County Sheriff’s Department began an initial search. The search was continued throughout the week by the New Mexico Search and Rescue team along with New Mexico State Police, the New Mexico National Guard, and the Civil Air Patrol. Scheib’s body was discovered on Sunday, June 21, near a hiking trail.
Scheib served as executive chef of The Greenbrier before leaving to become White House chef under President Bill Clinton. He served as White House chef from 1994 to 2005.
A statement from The Greenbrier reads, “The Greenbrier mourns the passing of legendary chef Walter Scheib. He served as our executive chef from 1991-1993 and left a lasting and profound legacy at America’s Resort.”
Clinton released a statement as well, on the Clinton Foundation website, which reads, “Hillary and I are saddened by the tragic passing of former White House Executive Chef Walter Scheib. Our family was grateful to have Walter with us in the White House for six years, where we and visitors from around the world loved his delicious and creative meals. Walter used his immense talents not only to represent the very best of American cuisine to visiting leaders, but to make a difference in people’s lives across the country through his support of numerous charities. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and many friends.”