Former Top Chef Masters contestant Naomi Pomeroy has died at age 49.
On Saturday, July 13, Pomeroy drowned in the Willamette River near Corvallis, Ore., the Associated Press reported .
The Benton County Sheriff's Office said she was tubing when the group she was with became caught on an exposed snag in the water. Pomeroy was pulled underwater, trapped by a paddle board leash—because the group tied their inner tubes and paddle board together—and drowned at approximately 8:25 p.m.
Although rescue crews safely recovered the two other individuals, as of writing, they are still working to recover Pomeroy's body due to heavy debris.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones”, Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said in a statement to the AP. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”
In 2014, Pomeroy's restaurant, Beast, won the James Beard award for best chef in the Northwest in 2014. The Northeast Portland establishment closed in 2020 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Pomeroy also owned the cocktail bar Expatriate and the Thai-Chinese restaurant Yaowarat in Portland, Ore., with her husband, Kyle Linden Webster .
Pomeroy was most well-known for competing in Season 3 of Top Chef Masters and appearing in Iron Chef . Additionally, she served as a guest judge for Top Chef in Seasons 10, 15 and 18.
On July 16, the official Top Chef X account shared a statement in the wake of her death, writing, "The Bravo and Top Chef family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chef Naomi Pomeroy. Naomi was a powerhouse chef who made an indelible mark on the culinary industry."
Meanwhile, fans flocked to her final Instagram post to react to the news of her death. One wrote, "💔 Kyle and all—sending you so much love. I’m so sorry. I’m stunned."
Another Instagram user commented, "Rest in peace, chef 💔💔💔," while someone else echoed, "💔💔💔 Rest In Peace Chef devastating news."
Pomeroy is survived by her husband and her daughter, August .
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