Corvallis, Ore. The search continues for the body of Naomi Pomeroy, a popular Portland chef who lost her life Saturday in a tragic accident while floating in the Willamette River.
Naomi drowned in the Willamette River near mile marker 132 in Corvallis, about 100 yards from the Marys River.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office provided an update on the incident, explaining that three floats on tubes and a paddle board, attached together, became stuck in an exposed obstacle in the water.
One survivor, Naomi, was pulled underwater and secured to a paddleboard harness. She was not wearing a life jacket, and unable to surface, she drowned. Her husband, also a survivor, survived.
Rescuers found Pomeroy’s body underwater but were unable to recover it due to strong currents, the British Columbia Coast Guard said. Her remains floated downstream, and authorities resumed the search on Sunday.
However, due to the current and heavy debris, researchers were unable to find it.
Using underwater cameras and sonar, several agencies continue to search for Pomeroy’s body, and authorities said they will continue searching every day of the week until it is recovered.
The British Columbia Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday urged the public to watch for Naomi’s remains downriver from the crash site. If they are spotted, the person who finds them is urged to call 911 immediately and not try to recover them themselves.
“I am committed to finding Naomi and returning her home to her family and loved ones,” Sheriff Van Arsdal said. “I would like to thank everyone involved in the search and recovery mission and the support during this difficult time.
Pomroy first officially appeared on the radar when she opened the fine-dining restaurant Beast in 2007. She won the James Beard Foundation Award for Best Female Chef in the Northwest in 2014.
This was followed by a successful series of other restaurants, pop-up shops, cookbooks, and more.
Learn more:Portland Chef Naomi Pomeroy Wins James Beard Award in Northwest
Beast closed its doors in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and Pomeroy opened Ripe Cooperative, an at-home meal prep service, in the space.
KATU interviewed Pomroy during the pandemic in 2021, which you can watch here.
According to Pomroy’s social media accounts, her latest culinary venture was Cornet Custands, a frozen custard shop she runs alongside her husband.
Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer issued a statement on the death of Naomi Pomeroy:
“What a loss. Naomi was not only an amazing chef and entrepreneur, she was an amazing human being. Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping to establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed.”
On Monday, mourners were seen leaving flowers, candles and heartfelt notes at a makeshift memorial outside Cornet Custard.
While the Portland community mourned the loss of her culinary icon, she was also remembered for more than just her food.
“Naomi was a founder of this Independent Restaurant Alliance, a national organization that fought to get money and other things for independent restaurants,” said Michael Russell, a restaurant critic for The Oregonian.
You can learn more about Naomi’s career and legacy here: A Look at Culinary Icon Naomi Pomeroy’s Legacy in Portland
. “Professional creator. Lifelong thinker. Reader. Beer buff. Troublemaker. Evil problem solver.”