Body of “Top Chef Masters” star Naomi Pomeroy found after fatal river accident

The body of Naomi Pomeroy, known for her role on Top Chef Masters, was recovered less than a week after a tragic rubber dinghy accident on the Willamette River in Oregon.

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, a group of canoeists discovered her body around 10 a.m. Wednesday and immediately alerted authorities. Marines found her dead in a shallow, rocky section of the river about a half-mile upstream from Hyak Park.

Pomeroy, 49, was traveling in an inflatable boat with her husband, Kyle Webster, and another person on July 13 when she went underwater and did not resurface. Despite efforts by search and rescue teams, her body could not initially be recovered.

Her husband confirmed that a tree branch in the water contributed to the accident and spoke to The New York Times about her recent state of mind and personal reflections.

Throughout her career, Naomi Pomeroy has made significant contributions to the world of cooking, including founding Ripe Catering and the acclaimed restaurant Beast, which later transformed into the pre-order marketplace Ripe Cooperative.

She is also co-founder of the cocktail bar Expatriate and author of the cookbook “Taste & Technique” in 2016.

Pomeroy and her husband have a daughter together, August.

Her impact on the culinary community was recognized by Bravo and the Top Chef franchise, who expressed condolences to her family and praised her lasting influence.