Award-winning Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy has died at the age of 49

James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author Naomi Pomeroy has died at the age of 49, according to several reports. Pomeroy’s family confirmed the death to Portland monthlywhich reported that Pomeroy drowned after being involved in a dinghy accident over the weekend. Her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, and an unnamed third person were also on the dinghy, but both survived, according to The OregonianKEZI reports that the accident occurred after the tied-together inflatable boats became entangled while floating on the Willamette River on the evening of July 13.

Efforts by the Benton County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office to recover Pomeroy’s body are ongoing.

“Both yesterday and today, Benton County Sheriff’s Office personnel were deployed… both Marine Patrol officers and search and rescue personnel on the water to continue the recovery of the victim. Debris in the river, currents and jagged rocks make it dangerous for divers to conduct an exploratory search underwater. We will continue our efforts to recover the victim and provide closure to the family and community,” Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall told Eater via email.

Pomeroy was popular in the Portland area for her innovative cooking at restaurants such as Beast, which later became Ripe Cooperative. She recently opened a permanent location for her custard shop Cornet Custard and was working on a restaurant in the former Woodsman Tavern space. She was also known for her run on Top chefand was recognized at the beginning of her career by publications such as gastronomy And OprahIn 2014, she received the James Beard Award for Best Female Chef in the Pacific Northwest after being nominated three times previously. This summer, Pomeroy was set to host a dinner series called Garden Party with restaurant owner Luke Dirks.

Accordingly Portland monthlyPomeroy’s family has asked for privacy and has not announced plans for a memorial. This story is developing.

Update: July 15, 2024, 5:15 p.m. PST: This story has been updated to include comment from Jef Van Arsdall, Sheriff of Benton County, Oregon.