“Top Chef Masters” star Naomi Pomeroy drowned in a river tubing accident in Oregon over the weekend.
According to authorities, the 49-year-old became trapped underwater by a paddle board leash when her group encountered a snag in the water while tubing.
The incident occurred on the eve of July 13 in the Willamette River near Corvallis. According to a July 16
statement posted on Facebook by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, authorities successfully rescued two other individuals and brought them safely to shore. However, efforts to recover Ms. Pomeroy’s body have been hindered by heavy debris in the river despite extensive searches using sonar, underwater cameras, and drones.
Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall expressed his commitment to locating Ms. Pomeroy, emphasizing the diligence of the search and recovery teams.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones,” Sheriff Arsdall said in the statement.
He also advised the public on the dangers of attaching themselves to paddle boards without quick-release leashes and the risks of tying inner tubes together.
The Oregon State Marine Board (OSMB) highlighted an increasing number of fatalities involving paddle board leashes getting entangled in river debris. Brian Paulsen, the agency’s boating safety program manager, recommended quick-release leashes designed for moving water, which are worn around the waist, as reported by news outlet
KATU.
The
OSMB lists safety protocols on its website, advising rivergoers to always wear a properly fitting life jacket, know how to swim in a river current, carry a whistle and other communication devices, leave a Float Plan with family or friends, avoid boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and never paddle alone. Paddlers and kayakers are also instructed to stay in groups, keep a low center of gravity, and be alert to their surroundings. The website advises people to monitor weather conditions, stay close to shore if they worsen, and mark their craft for easy identification by rescue teams in emergencies.
Pomeroy’s Impact on the Culinary World
Ms. Pomeroy made a significant impact on Portland’s culinary scene with her restaurant Beast, which she opened in 2007. Known for its six-course prix fixe dinners, Beast showcased Ms. Pomeroy’s skill in whole-animal butchery. Her work earned her a James Beard award for Best Chef in the Northwest in 2014, coinciding with Portland’s rise as a
top food destination.
Despite Beast closing during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ms. Pomeroy had recently launched a frozen custard shop. Additionally, she co-owned the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate with her husband, which closed on July 15 as mourners paid their respects.
State Rep. Earl Blumenauer released a
statement describing Ms. Pomeroy’s death as a significant loss, highlighting her contributions to Portland’s reputation for food excellence and her “amazing” character.
