CORVALLIS, OR. (THECOUNT) — Award-winning chef Naomi Pomeroy, known for her role in elevating Portland’s culinary scene and her appearances on “Top Chef Masters,” tragically drowned in an inner tubing accident at 49 years old.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported that Pomeroy drowned Saturday evening in the Willamette River near Corvallis. The incident occurred when the group she was with got caught on an exposed snag in the water. Pomeroy was pulled under and trapped by a paddle board leash attached to her inner tube, according to Captain Chris Duffitt. The group had tied their inner tubes and paddle board together for the outing.
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Authorities safely recovered the other two individuals and transported them to a boat launch. The sheriff’s office continues efforts to recover Pomeroy’s body, employing sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, but heavy debris has hampered their search efforts.
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