Chef Naomi Pomeroy, known for her appearance on Top Chef Masters as well as her celebrated culinary career, tragically died in a water recreation accident at the age of 49.

Pomeroy drowned in the Willamette River after becoming entangled in a snag while paddleboarding, as Entertainment Weekly reports.

On Saturday evening, the Benton County Sheriff's Office reported that Pomeroy was participating in a water recreation activity on the Willamette River.

The accident occurred at approximately 8:25 p.m. when Pomeroy, along with two other adults, became entangled on an exposed snag in the water.

Pomeroy's Group Faces Water Hazard

The group, which included Pomeroy's husband, Kyle Linden Webster, was using tubes and a paddleboard. Two tubes were secured together, and the paddleboard was attached to Pomeroy. The entanglement led to Pomeroy being pulled under the water due to the paddleboard leash.

"An investigation by BCSO determined three adults recreating on tubes and a paddleboard (two tubes were secured together and the paddleboard was attached to Naomi), became entangled on an exposed snag in the water," the agency said in a news release. "One of the adults, Naomi, was pulled under the water and unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash."

Efforts to Locate Pomeroy

Deputies and search teams were able to locate the other two adults, including Webster, but Pomeroy remained missing. The search efforts were intensive, involving sonar, underwater cameras, and drones. However, heavy debris in the water hampered the search.

Pomeroy, a celebrated chef, was known for her appearance on the third season of Top Chef Masters in 2011, where she represented her Portland restaurant, Beast. Her culinary achievements included winning a James Beard award in March 2010.

Pomeroy's Culinary Legacy

Pomeroy also made guest appearances on Top Chef and competed in other shows like Iron Chef and The Taste. In 2016, she published a cookbook, Taste & Technique: Recipes to Elevate Your Home Cooking, coauthored with Jamie Feldmar. She continued her culinary ventures with the Garden Party summer dinner series.

Plans were underway for Pomeroy to open a new eatery at the Garden Party location with her business partner in the fall. Her sudden death leaves a significant void in the culinary world and her community.

Community and Industry Reactions

The culinary community and fans have expressed their condolences and grief over the loss of Pomeroy. "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," said a spokesperson from Bravo.

Pomeroy's influence extended beyond her television appearances and restaurant achievements. She was a mentor to many aspiring chefs and a beloved figure in Portland's food scene.

Personal Life and Survivors

Naomi Pomeroy is survived by her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, and their daughter, August. The family is mourning the loss of a devoted wife and mother.

As the investigation into the accident continues, the community reflects on Pomeroy's legacy and the impact she made on those who knew her and enjoyed her culinary creations.

Pomeroy's passing is a reminder of the potential dangers associated with water recreation activities. Safety measures and awareness are crucial to preventing such tragedies in the future.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chef Naomi Pomeroy, renowned for her work in the culinary industry and her television appearances, tragically drowned in the Willamette River at the age of 49.

She was participating in a water-recreation activity when she became entangled in a snag, leading to her untimely death.

Pomeroy's legacy as a chef and mentor will be remembered by many, and her contributions to the culinary world will not be forgotten. She is survived by her husband and daughter, who are left to grieve this profound loss.