‘Top Chef Masters’ contestant Naomi Pomeroy drowns in Oregon river

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Naomi Pomeroy, an author and award-winning chef who competed on “Top Chef Masters,” died in a tragic accident in an Oregon river last weekend, authorities said. She was 49.

Pomeroy drowned in the Willamette River near Corvallis on Saturday, July 13 after the group she was tubing with got caught on an exposed snag in the water, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement . Pomeroy was pulled under the water and trapped by a paddle board leash attached to her, Capt. Chris Duffitt said. The group had tied their inner tubes and paddle board together.

Authorities said they safely recovered the other two people on the shore and transported them to a boat launch.

On Tuesday, July 16, the sheriff’s office said it was still working to recover Pomeroy’s body. Law enforcement searched the area using sonar, underwater cameras and drones but was unable to find it 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. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”

Then, on Wednesday, July 17, the sheriff’s office announced Pomeroy’s body was spotted on the Willamette River, about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany, by people who were out canoeing. Marine deputies found the body on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river. Then, after being identified, the body was released to the funeral home.

Close friends and those who worked alongside Pomeroy told News 2’s sister station, KOIN, that she helped shape Portland into a culinary destination.

“She was a rockstar chef,” said Portland foodie Gary Okazaki . “When they write the history of the Portland culinary scene, she’s going to have her own chapter.”

Okazaki, a longtime patron and one of Pomeroy’s countless fans, fondly remembers dining at her communal restaurant, Beast, where you could watch her do her magic in the open kitchen.

“It was it was her personality, the cult of personality of Naomi. Just the magnetism. When she was around, you could feel it,” he said. “Diners flocked to Beast, and at one point it was considered maybe the best restaurant in Portland.”

KOIN spoke with Pomeroy during the pandemic after she closed Beast. She talked about fighting to keep the food industry alive both in Portland and across the country.

Pomeroy was one of the founders of the Independent Restaurant Coalition , a group calling on Congress to pass a $120 billion fund to help restaurants and their laid-off workers.

Now, Okazaki said, Pomeroy’s lasting legacy is Expatriate, a bar that she owned with her husband. The bar temporarily closed Monday, July 15 as they grieve her death.

He also said Pomeroy was in the process of opening another restaurant, which is slated to be at the site of the former Woodsman Tavern on Southeast Division. Another friend told News 2’s sister station that Pomeroy had just gone to New York to do research for this new bistro and was ready to start.

“Whenever I saw her, she was incredibly generous and kind and hospitable. And she always had a big smile on her face when she saw me,” Okazaki said. “And I feel for Kyle Webster, her husband, and especially her daughter August. I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now.”

Heather Wallberg, who owns Gabbiano’s, across from Expatriate, reiterated that Pomeroy “made the Portland food scene what it is today.”

Wallberg, who’s been in the business for more than a decade, said it’s a tight-knit corner of restaurant owners. She said she reached out to Expatriate to offer whatever help they need.

“Events like this reminds you of the fragility of life,” she said.

Longtime friend Bryon Beck summed up the feelings of many.

“We love her and will miss her so much,” Beck said.

In a statement to KOIN, Rep. Earl Blumenauer said: “What a loss. 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.”

Ryan Magarian of Oven & Shaker also released the following statement: “I have no words for the immediate emotion on this to be honest. In remembering her at this moment, though, all I can say is that the Portland Restaurant Community lost a GIANT today…an all time Portland Advocate and Artisan. Over a span of two decades, no culinary talent has made a mark on this city in the way that she did…from her early years doing Family Suppers and Ripe to Top Chef to Beast to Expatriate with her husband Kyle. This is an unimaginable moment and loss, and my heart especially hurts for her family right now.”

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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