The culinary world is in mourning following the untimely death of Naomi Pomeroy, a renowned chef and former star of the popular reality series Top Chef Masters. Pomeroy, 49, died in a tubing accident on the Willamette River in Corvallis, Oregon, on Saturday, July 13th.
According to a statement released by the Benton County Sheriff's Office, Pomeroy was one of three floaters on tubes and a paddle board that were secured together when they became caught on an exposed snag in the water. The incident led to Pomeroy being pulled under the water and held there by the paddle board leash, ultimately resulting in her drowning.
The other two individuals involved in the accident were safely recovered from the water, but despite an extensive search operation utilizing sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, authorities have yet to locate Pomeroy's body. The BCSO has deployed a boat on the river every day since the tragedy and plans to continue the search, with Sheriff Van Arsdall stating, I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones.
Pomeroy's untimely passing has sent shockwaves through the culinary community, where she was widely respected and admired for her exceptional talents. After opening her acclaimed Portland restaurant, Beast, in 2007, Pomeroy quickly rose to prominence, earning recognition as the James Beard Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest in 2014. Her national fame further grew through her appearance on the reality competition series Top Chef Masters, where she showcased her culinary expertise to a wider audience.
Oregon Rep. Earl Blumenauer, who issued a statement on the tragedy, summed up the sentiment shared by many, saying, What a loss. Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being. Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed.
As the search for Pomeroy's body continues, the culinary community and her legions of fans mourn the loss of a true trailblazer and a beloved figure in the industry. The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing those who have left an indelible mark on the world of food and beyond.
