Celebrated Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in dinghy accident, her body never recovered

PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — Naomi Pomeroy, a celebrated Portland chef/restaurant owner and James Beard Award winner, died Saturday in a rafting accident on the Willamette River, the Oregonian reported.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office was called to the Willamette River around 8 p.m. on July 13. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said three rafts were floating down the river from Crystal Lake toward Michael’s Landing near Corvallis. Pomeroy and her husband were in two of the rafts.

The tied tubes became tangled about 100 yards upstream of the Marys River. The BCSO says Pomeroy, who was not wearing a life jacket, went under the water and did not resurface.

The other two tubers, including Pomeroy’s husband, survived.

Rescue workers found Pomeroy’s body underwater but were unable to recover it due to strong currents, the BCSO said. Her remains floated downstream and authorities resumed the search on Sunday.

Multiple agencies continue to search for Pomery’s body using underwater cameras and sonar. Authorities say they will search every day of the week until it is recovered.

Pomeroy first attracted attention when she was named one of America’s top 10 new chefs in 2009.

In 2007, she opened the gourmet restaurant Beast in Portland and won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Female Chef in the Northwest in 2014.

READ MORE: Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy wins James Beard NW honors

Beast closed in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Pomeroy opened Ripe Cooperative, a home meal preparation service, in the space.

KATU interviewed Pomeroy during the pandemic in 2021, you can watch the interview HERE.

According to Pomeroy’s social media channels, her most recent culinary venture was Cornet Custands, a frozen custard shop she runs with her husband.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon released a statement on the death of Naomi Pomeroy:

“What a loss. Naomi was not only a great chef and entrepreneur, but also an amazing human being. Her influence extended far beyond Portland and helped establish our leadership and reputation for excellent cuisine. She will be greatly missed.”