Naomi Pomeroy, an esteemed chef once celebrated on the culinary TV show "Top Chef Masters," has died following a tragic accident in Corvallis, Oregon.
In a devastating turn of events, Naomi Pomeroy lost her life due to an accident while tubing on the Willamette River, Page Six reported.
This past Saturday, the renowned Oregon-based chef was tubing with her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, and another companion along the calm stretches of the Willamette River.
What began as a leisurely activity soon turned perilous. Their flotation devices, which included two tubes tied together and an attached paddleboard, became entangled on an underwater snag.
Details from the Benton County Sheriff's Office highlight how the entanglement turned fatal for Pomeroy. According to a press statement, the paddleboard to which Naomi was tethered entrapped her underwater. Despite efforts to free herself, the leash of the paddleboard rendered her unable to escape, leading to her drowning.
The incident required immediate search and rescue operations. While local authorities rescued Webster and the other individual, Pomeroy remained missing under distressing circumstances. The extensive search lasted for days as rescue teams combed the river.
The search concluded on Wednesday morning when canoeists discovered her body on a shallow bedrock in the water. The grim find was immediately reported to the authorities, who swiftly recovered her from the river.
The local fire department and deputies had been very active since the accident occurred. Sheriff Van Arsdall, leading the rescue operations, expressed his commitment early in the search, stating their dedication to bringing Naomi back to her family and loved ones.
Naomi Pomeroy was not just a name among local chefs; she was a beacon in the culinary world. Her career achievements included a James Beard Award for Best Chef Northwest 2014 and accolades from prestigious publications such as Food & Wine magazine and Marie Claire.
Her influence extended beyond the kitchen. After closing her renowned restaurant, Beast, in 2020 due to the pandemic, she ventured into new culinary projects, including opening a frozen custard shop, Cornet Custard, in May 2024.
She had also recently launched a dinner party series called "Garden Party," bringing her signature flair to more intimate dining experiences.
Pomeroy's familiar face graced many television screens, where she demonstrated her culinary prowess on shows like "Iron Chef," and "Top Chef Masters." Her credibility and charm made her a beloved judge on various cooking competition shows.
The shock of her untimely death has left the culinary community and her fans in mourning. As they remember her for her vibrant spirit and culinary genius, her tragic departure is a poignant reminder of life's unpredictability. Sheriff Van Arsdall, in a recent statement, thanked everyone involved in the challenging search and recovery operation.
Pomeroy's passing represents a significant loss to the culinary world. She was more than a chef; she was an innovator who brought joy and fine dining to her community.
As the Benton County Sheriff's Office confirms, this unfortunate incident marks the first drowning case of the year on the Willamette River. The Sheriff's office continues investigating the accident while reminding citizens of the potential dangers of water activities.
In conclusion, Naomi Pomeroy's death while tubing in Corvallis ends a brilliant chapter in the culinary world.
Sheriff Van Arsdall's closure statement reflects a community grateful for her contributions and saddened by their loss.
