Naomi Pomeroy, a familiar face from her time on Top Chef Masters, had excitedly discussed her upcoming business ventures in her final Instagram posts, mere weeks before a fatal drowning incident in Oregon.
According to the Benton County Sheriff’s Office and local ABC affiliate KEZI9, Pomeroy was one of three individuals floating down the Willamette River near Corvallis on July 13 when their connected inner tubes encountered an obstacle. Unfortunately, not wearing a life jacket, Pomeroy submerged and did not resurface, leading to her tragic passing. Her family confirmed this heartbreaking news to Portland Monthly magazine, while her husband and another person survived the accident.
Efforts are underway to recover Pomeroy’s body, yet challenging conditions in the river have hindered underwater search efforts. Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall reassured that they are dedicated to bringing closure to her loved ones.
Prior to this tragedy, Pomeroy had unveiled her plans for a dinner series named Garden Party alongside restaurateur Luke Dirks. She detailed the series in a social media post on June 27, emphasizing limited seating and the serene setting in SE Portland.
In her last Instagram post on July 1, Pomeroy shared a picturesque scene of people dining outdoors beneath lush trees, announcing the opening of reservations for the Garden Party series and dates of availability throughout the month.
Following the news of her passing, countless Instagram users expressed their condolences, reflecting on Pomeroy’s impact and legacy. Messages flooded in, honoring her culinary prowess and the positive influence she had on the Portland food scene.
Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer also paid tribute to Pomeroy, acknowledging her not just as a talented chef and entrepreneur but as an outstanding individual whose influence extended beyond Portland, solidifying the city’s culinary reputation.
Oregon native Pomeroy, a James Beard Award winner and notable figure in the food industry, was in the process of opening a new restaurant adjacent to her popular frozen custard shop at the time of her tragic accident.