Celebrated chef Naomi Pomeroy passed away over the weekend after an inner tube mishap in Oregon’s Willamette River. Her age was 49.
After Pomeroy drowned in a river accident on Saturday, July 13, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office stated on Tuesday, July 16, that they are still looking for her remains. In line with the press statement, Pomeroy was affixed to a paddleboard, while her spouse, Kyle Linden Webster, and an additional individual were riding interlocked tubes.
Pomeroy was “pulled under the water and unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash” when they encountered strong currents close to river mile 132 in Corvallis, Oregon, which is just upstream from the Mary’s River, according to the BCSO’s report.
When the Corvallis Fire Department got on the site, they were unable to retrieve the Top Chef Masters alum’s body. Webster and the third person were found safely on the shore by the firefighters.
When the BCSO joined the search, they started searching downstream both on land and water for Pomeroy. However, as of Tuesday, she remains unfound. The sheriff’s department mentioned in a press release that BCSO staff have been actively searching for Naomi since Saturday, utilizing water resources daily, and will persist until her retrieval.
Sheriff Van Arsdall stated in a statement, “Our office is dedicated to locating Naomi and bringing her home to her family and loved ones.” “During this trying time, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in the search and recovery mission.”
The sheriff’s office reports that Portland native Pomeroy is the first drowning victim of the year. River users have been warned by the police to be on the lookout for “dangerous” currents and risks ever since the event. In the event of rugged terrain, they advised visitors to “not tie yourself to a paddleboard unless you have a quick release leash” because it is too difficult to break free.
Along with reminding everyone to use a life jacket, especially for youngsters under the age of twelve, the police also issued warnings against “tying two or more inner tubes together.”
Pomeroy made a name for herself in the Oregon food industry before her passing in 2007 when she opened Beast, her first eatery. She was recognized as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs two years later.
In 2013, she and her spouse launched Expatriate, a cocktail bar in Portland. She was named a James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific the following year.
Pomeroy kept himself occupied when Beast closed in 2020, converting the area into Ripe Cooperative, a market and cafe that shuttered in 2022. She intended to open a French restaurant next door when she started Cornet Custard, an ice cream shop, in May.
Pomeroy’s culinary skills earned her spots on season 3 of Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef. Later, she participated in Top Chef seasons 10, 15, and 18 as a guest judge.
The network released a statement via X stating, “The Bravo and Top Chef family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chef Naomi Pomeroy.” “Chef Naomi was a formidable figure who left a lasting impression on the food industry.”
On Monday, July 15, Pomeroy’s family informed Portland Monthly that they are currently requesting “privacy” and that no preparations have been made for a memorial.
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