Competitor on TV's 'Top Chef Masters' drowns in Oregon tubing accident

A Portland chef who once competed on Bravo’s “Top Chef Masters” drowned in a tubing accident on Oregon’s Willamette River over the weekend. Her body was recovered Wednesday.

Naomi Pomeroy, 49, was in a group of three on tubes and a paddle board near Corvallis when the watercraft, which were tethered together, got snagged on a rock at 8:25 p.m. Saturday.

Ms. Pomeroy was pulled under the water and held in place by the paddle board’s leash, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said in a release.

The sheriff’s office didn't specify the type of paddle board, but Oregon state officials warn that certain leashes for the boards can lead to fatalities.

“Most ankle leashes used by [stand-up paddle board] users are not designed for quick release. If you get it tangled on rocks or downed trees, the leash could hold you underwater,” Oregon Marine Board Boating Safety Program Manager Brian Paulsen said in a news release.

The Corvallis Fire Department rescued and secured the two people who were with Ms. Pomeroy, but couldn't recover her body at the time. People canoeing on the Willamette found her remains at 10 a.m. Wednesday, the BCSO said.

The Bravo Top Chef account on X wrote, “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.”

Ms. Pomeroy competed on the third season of “Top Chef Masters” in 2011, as well as Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” in 2010.

Rep. Earl Blumenauer, Oregon Democrat, said in a statement, “Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being. Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed.”