Naomi Pomeroy’s Tragic Death

The search for missing Top Chef star Naomi Pomeroy has tragically ended with her body found in a river. Reports confirmed that the Portland chef was discovered on July 17, several days after she went missing following a tubing accident.

Details of the Accident

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office announced that Naomi had drowned. Their investigation revealed that Naomi, her husband Kyle Linden Webster, and a friend got tangled up while on tubes and a paddleboard connected together.

The report detailed that Naomi was pulled underwater after encountering an “exposed snag in the water.” She couldn’t free herself because of the “paddleboard leash.”

Search and Recovery

Members of the Corvallis Fire Department rescued Webster and the friend onshore. However, Naomi’s body wasn’t immediately found. A search began, and on July 17, the sheriff’s office updated the public. Naomi’s body was discovered on the Willamette River about half a mile upstream of Hyak Park, between Corvallis and Albany.

The office reported that canoeists on the river had spotted a body, which was later identified as Naomi’s.

Naomi Pomeroy’s Legacy

Naomi, 49, was a self-trained chef who gained popularity after opening the acclaimed Portland restaurant Beast in 2007. She appeared on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters. She also served as a guest judge on Top Chef during seasons 10, 15, and 18.

After Naomi’s death, the show and its network, Bravo, issued a statement 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

Rest in peace, Naomi Pomeroy.