Body of renowned Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy recovered after drowning

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The body of legendary Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy has been recovered by authorities after she drowned on the Willamette River on Saturday.

According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the body was recovered at 10 a.m. Wednesday morning “about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany.”

The body was seen by canoers on the river, who called 911, officials said.

“BCSO marine deputies arrived shortly after, located a deceased female on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river with about one to two feet of water,” the sheriff’s office said in a release.

After being identified as Pomeroy based on a description, the body was taken to a funeral home and her family was notified, authorities said.

The 49-year-old chef, author, former James Beard Award winner and Top Chef Masters contestant was floating on the Willamette River in Benton County when she drowned. Friends and those who worked closely with her remembered her fondly as a pivotal figure in Portland’s foodie scene, including as the proprietor of the communal restaurant Beast.

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