Award-winning Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in Willamette River

Naomi Pomeroy, a noted Portland chef and a James Beard Award winner, died in a tragic accident on the Willamette River Saturday night, her friends told KOIN 6 News.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the death of a 50-year-old woman, and said they “are working on recovering the body.” The author and contestant on “Top Chef Masters” was floating on the Willamette River in Benton County when she drowned.

Close friends and those who worked beside her all told KOIN 6 News the Portland food scene is what it is today because of Naomi Pomeroy.

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

KOIN 6 News is a news partner of the Portland Tribune. Their full story can be found at koin.com.