Top Chef Star Dead At 49 In Freak Paddleboard Accident On Oregon River

This is heartbreaking and so scary!

Top Chef star Naomi Pomeroy has died after a freak paddleboard and inner tube accident in Oregon over the weekend. She was just 49.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office opened up about the tragic death in a press release on Tuesday. Apparently, Naomi, her husband Kyle Linden Webster, and a third person had decided to have some fun in the Willamette River. The chef was riding a paddleboard while her husband and the other individual were on inner tubes that were secured together. But when they hit rough currents near river mile 132 in Corvallis, Oregon — upstream from Mary’s River — the TV star was “pulled under the water and unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash.” Oh, no.

Kyle and the other person were able to get to shore safely, but Naomi never emerged from the water. The Corvallis Fire Department arrived on the scene but was unable to recover her body, so the BCSO joined a search and recovery mission. Sadly, as of Tuesday, they still had not found her. The statement expressed:

“BCSO personnel have been on the water every day since Saturday searching for Naomi and will continue to deploy resources until her recovery.”

Sheriff Van Arsdall noted:

“This office is dedicated to locating Naomi and bringing her home to her family and loved ones. I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission during this difficult time.”

The chef — who opened her first (now closed) restaurant Beast in 2007 — is the first drowning victim of the year, according to the authorities, who reminded everyone to be aware of the “dangerous” currents and other potential hazards in the river. They also told visitors to “not tie yourself to a paddleboard unless you have a quick release leash” because it can be hard to get free in rough conditions. They also warned against tying “two or more inner tubes together” and reminded everyone to wear a life jacket, especially children.

Reality star fans will remember the Portland-based foodie from appearances on Iron Chef and season 3 of Top Chef Masters. She also served as a guest judge for seasons 10, 15, and 18 of Top Chef, and was seen on other shows. Top Chef‘s official X (Twitter) account paid tribute to her, writing:

“The Bravo and Top Chef family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chef Naomi Pomeroy. Naomi was a powerhouse chef who made an indelible mark on the culinary industry.”

The James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific winner had just opened an ice cream shop, Cornet Custard, in May with plans to open a French restaurant next door. Her family, including daughter August, told Portland Monthly that there are no plans for a memorial yet and that they wished for “privacy” in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers go out to them all as they mourn this sudden loss.

R.I.P.

[Image via Food Network /Marie Claire /YouTube]