(Daily360.com) – Naomi Pomeroy, a celebrity chef, has died from an apparent drowning at the age of 49.
She was tubing with her husband in the Willamette River when marine deputies and firefighters were sent to the scene. The initial call was about a couple who were sucked into the river and a woman that was underwater. The currents were heavy at the time and made it difficult for the first responders to recover Pomeroy. Authorities say the high currents were a factor in the drowning that caused Pomeroy’s death.
Pomeroy is known for her appearances on “Top Chef Masters” and “Top Chef.” The incident occurred on July 13, but Pomeroy’s body was unable to be recovered until the morning of July 17. People reported seeing the body while they were canoeing on the Willamette River. The body was recovered shortly thereafter by authorities on a shallow section in the center of the river.
The incident occurred as Pomeroy and her husband were riding on inner tubes that were tied together. As they hit an obstruction, Pomeroy was held underwater by the paddle board leash. She was not wearing a life jacket at the time of the drowning. Authorities say that people traveling on the river should avoid tying themselves to a paddle board unless it has a quick release function. They also say everyone going down the river, regardless of age, should wear a life jacket at all times.
Pomeroy has also appeared on “Iron Chef” and “The Taste.” She opened a restaurant called Beast in Portland, Oregon in 2007. Pomeroy earned an award for the best chef in the northwest region in 2014. She started a new business called “Cornet Custard” in Portland and was in the process of opening a bistro next door.
Pomeroy was a well-known and acclaimed chef in Portland for more than a decade. She also owned a cocktail bar with her husband across the street from her restaurant.
Copyright 2024, Daily360.com
