Oregon award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in river accident
PORTLAND, Oregon — Naomi Pomeroy, an award-winning chef who put Portland, Oregon, on the map as a culinary destination, has drowned in an inner-tube accident, authorities said. She was 49.
Pomeroy drowned Saturday night in the Willamette River near Corvallis after the group she was tubing with became snagged on an exposed hook in the water, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. Pomeroy was pulled underwater and caught by a paddleboard leash that was attached to her, Capt. Chris Duffitt said. The group had tied their inner tubes and paddleboard together.
According to authorities, the other two people were safely brought to shore and taken to a boat ramp.
The sheriff’s office said it is still working to recover Pomeroy’s body. It searched the area using sonar, underwater cameras and drones, but could not find him because of the heavy debris.
“I am committed to finding Naomi and bringing her home to her family and loved ones,” Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said in a statement. “I want to thank everyone involved in the search and recovery mission and their support during this difficult time.”
The sheriff warned people not to tie themselves to a paddleboard unless it has a quick release leash. They also advised against tying two or more inner tubes together. This means everyone must wear a life jacket.
The Oregon State Marine Board noted that in recent years there has been an “emerging trend” of people dying when their stand up paddle board, or SUP, leash becomes entangled in brush or other debris in rivers.
“Most ankle straps used by SUP users are not designed for quick release,” Brian Paulsen, the agency’s boating safety program manager, said in a statement Tuesday. He said quick-release straps, designed for moving water, are worn around the waist.
Pomeroy rose to prominence in Portland’s culinary scene after opening the restaurant Beast in 2007. There the guests could enjoy a six-course, prix fixe dinner served at communal tables and based on Pomeroy’s penchant for butchering whole animals.
The restaurant paved the way for Pomeroy to win a coveted James Beard award for best chef in the Northwest in 2014, around the same time that Portland was becoming a popular travel destination for its culinary scene, natural beauty and quirky reputation. The restaurant closed during the coronavirus pandemic, but Pomeroy recently opened a new frozen custard shop.
Pomeroy was also known for her appearances on cooking shows, including Top Chef Masters, and co-owned the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate with her husband. The bar was closed Monday, KOIN reported, while relatives laid flowers and mementos outside the company.
Heather Wallberg, who owns a restaurant across the street from Expatriate and has worked in the industry for more than a decade, told KOIN that Pomeroy “made Portland’s food scene what it is today.” She said she reached out to Expatriate to offer what help they needed.
Pomeroy’s sudden death “reminds you of the fragility of life,” she said.
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer of Oregon released a statement describing Pomeroy’s death as a tragic loss.
“Naomi was not only a fantastic chef and entrepreneur, but also a wonderful person,” Blumenauer said. “Her impact extended far beyond Portland, helping to establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be deeply missed.”