Chef NAOMI POMEROY 'Top Chef Masters' Star, Passes Away at 49 in Tubing Accident

Renowned culinary figure Naomi Pomeroy, celebrated as a star of Bravo's "Top Chef Masters," tragically lost her life in a tubing mishap on Oregon's Willamette River this past weekend, according to local authorities. Pomeroy, aged 49, met her untimely demise while floating on the river in Corvallis on July 13th.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office detailed the incident in a Facebook post, revealing that Pomeroy drowned after being caught by a submerged obstacle while floating alongside two others on connected tubes and a paddle board. Despite extensive efforts using sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, authorities initially struggled to locate her. Eventually, her body was discovered approximately half a mile upstream from Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany, Oregon, following a call from canoeists who spotted her and alerted emergency services.

Pomeroy rose to fame following the success of her Portland eatery, Beast, and earned acclaim as the 2014 James Beard Best Chef in the Pacific Northwest. Her national profile soared with her appearances on "Top Chef Masters," showcasing her culinary prowess and innovation.

Oregon Representative Earl Blumenauer expressed profound sorrow over Pomeroy's passing, highlighting her contributions not only to Portland's culinary scene but also to the broader realm of food excellence. "What a tremendous loss. Naomi was not just an extraordinary chef and entrepreneur, but a remarkable human being whose influence extended well beyond our city," Blumenauer remarked. Her legacy as a chef and her impact on the culinary world will be deeply missed.