Naomi Pomeroy, Renowned Chef and TV Star, Tragically Dies at 49
Naomi Pomeroy, celebrated for her appearances on shows like Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef, has tragically passed away at the age of 49. Despite no formal culinary training, Naomi learned the ropes from seasoned food industry pros, showcasing her remarkable talent and drive.
Before her television fame, Naomi was a pioneering restaurateur in Portland, Oregon, where she first made her culinary mark.
Naomi’s life was cut short in a heart-wrenching tubing accident on July 13, while she was on the Willamette River with her husband and a friend. According to The New York Times, their encounter with a submerged branch led to a devastating accident, throwing them into the river’s swift currents. Tragically, while her husband and friend survived, Naomi did not.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office outlined the circumstances of the accident, noting the strong river currents and debris that have complicated their search efforts.
“An investigation by BCSO determined three adults recreating on tubes and a paddle board (two tubes were secured together and the paddle board was attached to Naomi), became entangled on an exposed snag in the water,” the Benton County Sheriff’s Office shared in a statement to Entertainment Weekly. “One of the adults, Naomi, was pulled under the water and unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash.” they added.
Despite extensive search efforts using sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, Naomi’s body has yet to be recovered, with debris heavily complicating the search.
The culinary world and beyond have been pouring out tributes to Naomi. From her Bravo Top Chef family expressing their condolences to local politicians acknowledging her impact on Portland’s food scene, Naomi’s legacy is deeply felt.
Congressman Earl Blumenauer reflected on her influence, “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.”
Naomi was in the process of expanding her culinary empire with a new restaurant next to her custard shop when she passed, reports KGW8.
Naomi is survived by her husband and daughter, August, leaving behind a legacy of culinary excellence and vibrant community involvement.