“Top Chef” star Naomi Pomeroy has been found dead at a river days after she went missing. Details concerning the tragic ordeal, which includes an official statement made by the police and the location of the river, have been shared.
Naomi Pomeroy, best known for showcasing her culinary prowess on “Top Chef,” has sadly passed away. The Portland chef’s body was found at a river on July 17 after she had gone missing a few days before that. Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) has released a statement confirming the tragic news that she drowned.
Naomi Pomeroy at the Winter Television Critics Association press tour in Pasadena, California on January 16, 2017 | Source: Getty Images
“This morning, July 17, 2024, at about 10:00 am, the deceased body of Naomi Pomeroy was located on the Willamette River about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany. People canoeing on the river spotted a body and called 9-1-1,” reads the beginning of the message shared on Facebook.
The statement goes on to reveal that after BCSO marine deputies arrived on the scene, they located the corpse on a shallow section of bedrock. The location is close to the river’s center which holds about 1-2 feet of water.
Pomeroy was found dead at 49 years old after being MIA since July 13. “Deputies released Naomi to a funeral home and notified her family of the recovery,” the police statement goes on to share.
According to another part of their message, Pomeroy’s time of death is believed to be around 8:25 pm, on the same day she went missing. “Naomi drowned in the Willamette River near river mile 132 […] about 100 yards upstream from the Mary’s River,” the statement discloses further.
Naomi Pomeroy at the All-Star Chef Classic – All-Star Lunch in Los Angeles, California on March 22, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
Before the police released their statement, Pomeroy’s family divulged to a news outlet that they believed she drowned.
They explained that what started as an enjoyable river outing with Pomeroy going inner tubing with her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, quickly turned dark when their flotilla flipped over after hitting a snag in the murky water which had fast-moving currents. Naomi was submerged underwater and held down there by a paddleboard leash.
While Webster was able to survive and make it back to shore amid dangerous waters, his late wife, unfortunately, was not. From there, the search for Pomeroy was on and rescue efforts quickly ensued.
BSCO deputies started their search, by water and land, downriver from where the incident had occurred. Using every tool they had available like underwater cameras, drones, and sonar, officials did everything they could but were not able to locate Pomeroy as there was heavy debris.
Naomi Pomeroy on an episode of “Top Chef Masters” in 2011. | Source: Getty Images
Once search and rescue teams lost the advantage of daylight, they had no choice but to suspend the search for the day. However, they had left a BSCO boat stationed on the water each day since the Saturday (July 13) when Pomeroy went missing.
Naomi Pomeroy in a season 10 episode of “Top Chef” in 2012. | Source: Getty Images
At that time, officials had also urged the public to assist by keeping an eye out for the late star’s body. They also encouraged the public to wear life jackets, practice safety precautions, and adhere to all the boating rules.
BSCO made it very clear that should anyone have found Naomi, they were not to attempt recovery efforts and instead call 9-1-1. Sherrif Van Arsdall also emphasized his dedication to ensuring Pomeroy’s safe return.
Naomi Pomeroy in an episode of “Top Chef Masters” in 2011. | Source: Getty Images
The dearly missed restaurateur began her culinary journey as an unschooled chef who had already come up with her own recipe at four years old.
Naomi Pomeroy cooking during the All-Star Chef Classic – All-Star Lunch in Los Angeles, California on March 22, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
After contributing significantly to the reformation of Beast, the modern Portland restaurant she owned, she won the James Beard Award for Best Chef in the Northwest and Pacific in 2014.
By the time 2020 came around, Pomeroy transformed Beast into an all-day bistro and market. She renamed it Ripe Cooperative, after her iconic 2002 supper club. Although the restaurant is now closed, it was a hit among people who have dined there, scoring a 4.5-star rating and rave reviews on Trip Advisor
Her most recent culinary endeavors included cofounding an ice cream shop called Cornet Custard, which she collaborated on with Mika Paredes. Pomeroy had also been working on opening a French restaurant in the former Woodsman Tavern on SE Division before she passed.
Upon the confirmation of her demise, Portland Congressman Earl Blumenauer released a tribute. “What a loss. Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being. Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed,” he expressed.
Naomi Pomeroy on Season 3 of “The Taste” in 2014. | Source: Getty Images
The official X account of “Top Chef,” posted a message about Pomeroy, too. In their statement, they said, “The Bravo and ‘Top Chef’ family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chef Naomi Pomeroy. Naomi was a powerhouse chef […]”
While no plans for a memorial have been shared yet, Pomeroy’s family has spoken out to ask the public for privacy as they mourn and grieve such a devastating loss.
Aside from her husband, Webster, whom she co-owned the restaurant Expatriate with, Pomeroy is survived by her parents and stepmother, Ronna Pomeroy, her two brothers Colin and Andrew Pomeroy, and her daughter August.
She also had a half-brother, who died in 2014, named Joseph Michael Vito. We extend our heartfelt condolences to all of Pomeroy’s loved ones and wish for healing amid such a challenging time. RIP, dear Pomeroy.
