Tragic Loss: Renowned Chef Naomi Pomeroy Drowns in Tubing AccidentTragic Loss: Renowned Chef Naomi Pomeroy Drowns in Tubing Accident Portland, Oregon, has lost a culinary icon with the tragic drowning of award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy. At age 49, Pomeroy passed away while enjoying an inner-tube outing on the Willamette River near Corvallis. On Saturday evening, Pomeroy and her companions became entangled in an exposed hook in the water, causing their interconnected inner tubes and paddleboard to separate. Pomeroy was swept away and caught by a paddleboard leash, leading to her drowning. Benton County Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall expressed his commitment to finding Pomeroy’s body for her grieving family and loved ones. Search efforts using sonar, cameras, and drones have been hindered by debris, but the sheriff remains determined. Pomeroy’s rise in culinary fame began with the opening of Beast in 2007. The restaurant’s unique six-course menu and emphasis on whole-animal butchering earned her the prestigious James Beard Award in 2014. Her contributions to Portland’s culinary reputation played a significant role in the city’s transformation into a culinary destination. Following the closure of Beast during the pandemic, Pomeroy opened a frozen custard shop. She also co-owned the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate with her husband, which has been closed as a tribute to her memory. Colleagues in the industry lament the loss of a culinary visionary. Heather Wallberg of a nearby restaurant said Pomeroy “made Portland’s food scene what it is today.” U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer called Pomeroy’s death a tragic loss for Portland and beyond. He praised her culinary brilliance and her contributions to the city’s reputation as a food destination. The sheriff’s office has issued warnings about the dangers of tying inner tubes together and advises everyone to wear a life jacket while participating in water activities. Pomeroy’s tragic accident serves as a somber reminder of the importance of water safety and the fragility of life.
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Naomi Pomeroy, an award-winning chef who put Portland, Ore., 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. Pomeroy was pulled underwater and caught by a paddleboard leash. 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.
Pomeroy rose to prominence in Portland’s culinary scene after opening Beast in 2007, where diners could enjoy a six-course, prix-fixe menu served at communal tables and based on Pomeroy’s penchant for whole-animal butchering.
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 Portland cocktail bar Expatriate with her husband. The bar was closed Monday, KOIN reported, as relatives left flowers and mementos outside the business.
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.”