The search for missing Top Chef star Naomi Pomeroy has come to its tragic conclusion after she was found dead in a river.
As per reports, the Portland chef’s body was discovered on July 17, several days after she had gone missing following a tubing accident.
Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed in a heartbreaking statement that Naomi had drowned. Its investigation found that three adults – Pomeroy, her husband Kyle Linden Webster and a friend — became entangled while on tubes and a paddleboard that were connected.
Tragic details in their report go on to say that Naomi was pulled underwater after the group encountered an “exposed snag in the water” and was thereafter unable to free herself due to the “paddleboard leash”.
According to sources, Corvallis Fire Department members were able to recover Webster and the friend at the shore, but Pomeroy’s body was not immediately located.
A search was initiated, with the sheriff’s office offering an update on July 17 to say that Pomeroy’s body had been found on the Willamette River about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between the towns of Corvallis and Albany.
The office detailed how people canoeing the river had spotted a body which later turned out to be Naomi’s.
The 49-year-old was a self-trained chef who became popular within her industry after opening the acclaimed Portland restaurant beast in 2007.
Pomeroy appeared on Iron Chef as well as Top Chef Masters, while she also served as guest judge on Top Chef in seasons 10, 15, and 18.
The show and its network, Bravo, made a statement following Pomeroy’s death, writing on X:
“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.”
Rest in peace, Naomi Pomeroy.
The search for missing Top Chef star Naomi Pomeroy has come to a heartbreaking conclusion after she was found dead in a river following a tragic tubing accident. The renowned Portland chef, who gained widespread acclaim for her culinary achievements, had been missing for several days before her body was discovered on July 17.
According to reports from the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, Pomeroy, her husband Kyle Linden Webster, and a friend were involved in a tubing and paddleboarding outing that took a fatal turn. The group became entangled while navigating the waters, encountering an “exposed snag” that led to Pomeroy being pulled underwater due to a paddleboard leash. Despite efforts to rescue her, she was unable to free herself.
While Webster and the friend were safely recovered by Corvallis Fire Department members at the shore, Naomi’s body was not immediately found. A search was launched, culminating in the discovery of her body about a half-mile upstream of Hyak Park on the Willamette River. Canoers on the river were the first to spot her, marking the tragic end of the search.
Naomi Pomeroy was a beloved figure in the culinary world, known for her passion, creativity, and leadership. The self-trained chef opened her acclaimed Portland restaurant, Beast, in 2007, which quickly became a beloved staple of the city’s dining scene. She gained further prominence with appearances on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters and served as a guest judge on Top Chef in seasons 10, 15, and 18. Her impact on the culinary industry was profound, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and excellence.
Following her death, Bravo and the Top Chef family expressed their condolences, writing on X (formerly Twitter):
“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.”
Pomeroy’s death leaves a significant void in the culinary world. Her contributions will be remembered not only for the dishes she crafted but for the passion and warmth she brought to her work. At the age of 49, Naomi Pomeroy’s legacy lives on through the many lives she touched and the mark she left on the food world.