PORTLAND, Ore. — Naomi Pomeroy, an award-winning Portland chef, drowned while floating on the Willamette River on Saturday night. Her body was recovered Wednesday morning.
According to KEZI, Pomeroy and friends were floating in three inner tubes downriver from Crystal Lake toward Michael's Landing shortly after 8 p.m. in Corvallis. The inner tubes, which were tied together, hit a snag about 100 yards upstream from Marys River. Pomeroy went underwater and did not resurface. The other two tubers, who included her husband, survived.
The Benton County Sheriff's Office patrol boats and Corvallis Fire Department found Pomeroy's body shortly after at 8:25 p.m., but a strong under current hindered recovery efforts. Her body drifted downstream where recovery efforts remain. Benton County Sheriff's Office said a patrol boat has been on the water everyday since Saturday and plans to continue the search.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones," said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”
Pomeroy, who was 49 years old, had just recently opened a frozen custard shop, Cornet Custard, on Southeast Division in Portland and was in the midst of opening a new bistro in the former Woodsman Tavern location next door.
A James Beard Award winner, Pomeroy is best known for her trailblazing restaurant Beast, which was one of the early stars of Portland's culinary rise-to-fame.
"She was literally cooking meals out of her home which became the hottest restaurant in Portland, and people were on a waiting list via email to get into these things," recalled Michael Russell, restaurant critic for The Oregonian.
Pomeroy closed Beast in May 2020 and later reopened Ripe Cooperative in the same space. In October 2022, she closed the restaurant and market, citing rising costs.
"She was someone who was never afraid to speak her mind, always spoke the truth," said Russell. "Frankly, for us she was the Julia Child, she was the Alice Waters, she's the godmother figure of our food scene and you'll see — I mean, this news is so raw right now."
During the pandemic, Pomeroy worked closely with Congressman Earl Blumenauer to obtain federal dollars to save restaurants.
“What a loss. Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being," Congressman Earl Blumenauer said shortly after the news broke of her death. "Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed.”
Benton County Sheriff's Office asks the public to keep an eye out for Pomeroy's body. If located, call 911, but do not attempt to recover, the sheriff's office said.
Correction: An earlier version of the article stated Pomeroy's body had been found. Benton County Sheriff's Office is still searching.