Renowned chef and “Top Chef Masters” star, Naomi Pomeroy, met a tragic end in a tubing accident in Oregon over the weekend, authorities confirmed. Pomeroy, known for her culinary expertise and vibrant presence in the industry, was 49 years old at the time of her passing.
The fateful incident occurred on Saturday, July 13th, as Pomeroy drowned in the Willamette River in Corvallis, Oregon. Reports from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) indicated that the accident involved three individuals on tubes and a paddle board, which were connected together. Tragically, they became caught on an exposed snag in the water. Consequently, Pomeroy was pulled under the water and held by the paddle board leash. Her companions were safely recovered from the water, but their efforts to save Pomeroy were in vain.
In the attempt to locate Pomeroy, deputies undertook a thorough search of the water using sonar, underwater cameras, and drones. Despite their extensive efforts, Pomeroy’s body remained elusive during the initial phase of the search.
The community was deeply saddened by the loss of Naomi Pomeroy, a celebrated Portland chef and restaurateur. The news of her passing reverberated across the culinary world and beyond, leaving many in mourning. Pomeroy’s family confirmed the heartbreaking details of her untimely demise to Portland Monthly, thereby cementing the tragic reality of her passing.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office later provided additional insight into the circumstances surrounding Pomeroy’s passing, confirming that three adults, including Pomeroy, her husband Kyle Linden Webster, and a friend, had become entangled on an exposed snag in the water. The interconnected tubes and paddleboard they were using ultimately led to the tragic outcome. Pomeroy, unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash, was submerged underwater, with the tragic turn of events ultimately claiming her life.
Naomi Pomeroy’s passing is a great loss not only to her loved ones but also to the culinary world, where she had made a significant impact. Her contributions as a chef and her vibrant persona will be dearly missed by many. As friends, colleagues, and admirers come to terms with this profound loss, Pomeroy’s memory will endure as a testament to her enduring legacy in the world of cuisine.
