Naomi Pomeroy, former “Top Chef Masters” artist, dies at 49

Published: 6:00 p.m. PDT, July 16, 2024

Naomi Pomeroy, a popular and renowned chef who has been featured on Bravo’s Top chefhas died. She was 49.

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office in Oregon, Pomeroy tragically became the area’s first drowning victim of the year when she drowned in the Willamette River in Corvallis, about 100 yards upstream from the Mary’s River, at around 8:25 p.m. on July 13.

Authorities say Pomeroy and two adults on inner tubes and a paddleboard (two inner tubes were attached to each other and the paddleboard was attached to Pomeroy) became entangled in the water on an exposed tree stump. Authorities say Pomeroy was pulled underwater and was unable to free himself due to the paddleboard’s leash.

The two adults were safely taken to a boat ramp while authorities searched for Pomeroy’s body. Officials and Corvallis Fire Department personnel searched the area using sonar, underwater cameras and drones, but were unable to locate Pomeroy due to heavy debris in the water. Search efforts were suspended after sunset and have continued every day since Saturday to search for her body. Authorities say they will continue searching until her body is recovered.

“This office is committed to finding Naomi and bringing her home to her family and loved ones,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “I want to thank everyone involved in the search and recovery mission during this difficult time.”

Accordingly The OregonianPomeroy’s husband, Kyle Linden Webster, is one of two adults who survived the accident.

Pomeroy was a popular chef in Portland, responsible for the city’s culinary explosion, first when she opened her restaurant Beast in 2007. She later competed in season 3 of Top Chef Masterwhich aired in spring 2011. She finished fourth in the competition and took home a prize of $26,800. Pomeroy later returned to Top chef as guest judge and guest guest.

Her awards include recognition by gastronomy And Oprah Magazines like “Chef in the spotlight.” Then, in 2014, she was awarded the prestigious James Beard Award for Best Female Chef in the Pacific Northwest.

Pomeroy also owned the cocktail bar Expatriate in Portland with her husband. The doors were closed on Monday, according to COINwho also reported that mourners laid flowers in front of the bar in honor of Pomeroy.

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