“Top Chef Masters” star Naomi Pomeroy dies at 49 in “drowning accident”

“Top Chef Masters” candidate Naomi Pomeroy has died at the age of 49.

The award-winning cooking expert’s death was confirmed by her friends on Monday, according to The US Sun. Initially, Naomi was not identified as she happened to be one of the three people who were traveling on an inflatable boat down the Willamette River outside Portland, Oregon.

Shortly after the incident, it was confirmed that the unidentified woman was indeed Naomi.

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KEZ19 News reported that Naomi was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the accident. After the three tubes tied together hit a tree in the water, Naomi was pulled underwater and did not resurface. On Saturday evening at around 8:25 p.m., authorities found Naomi’s body underwater.

According to The US Sun, “it turned out that her body could not be found due to a strong undercurrent.” While Naomi did not make it, the other people involved in the tragedy survived, including Naomi’s husband, Kyle Linden Webster.

Countless fans took to the comments section of Naomi’s final Instagram post on July 1, promoting her latest project titled “Garden Party,” to mourn her loss.

According to Eater, Naomi was planning to host a dinner series called “Garden Party” with restaurant owner Luke Dirks this summer.

The black and white photo in Naomi’s last upload on Instagram showed a group of people enjoying a brightly lit dinner in beautiful nature.

“I’m shocked. This shows that drowning can happen to anyone every summer. My brother almost drowned in the river too,” someone wrote under Naomi’s photo. “Life jackets save lives. You’re gone too soon.”

A second added: “Wow I don’t know what to say. Rest in peace Naomi. You had such a huge impact on PDX Food. So sad to hear this. Speechless.”

Another put it this way: “Rest in peace Naomi, it was always a joy to have you with me wherever I worked. You were loved by so many and we will miss you very much.”

Someone else wrote: “Sending so much love to your family. I am devastated to hear you passed away. You are a genius.”

Despite the outpouring of support from her fans, Naomi’s family “has asked for privacy and has not announced any plans for a memorial service,” the Portland Monthly report said.

Chef Naomi is best known for competing on Season 3 of Top Chef Masters. Early in her career, she was recognized by magazines like Food & Wine and Oprah as the new chef to watch. Ten years ago, she won the James Beard Award for Best Female Chef in the Pacific Northwest after being nominated for the award three times.