EGN NEWS DESK
Portland, Ore. — Naomi Pomeroy, an award-winning chef who helped put Portland on the map as a culinary vacation spot, has drowned in an internal tubing accident, authorities stated. She was 49 years outdated.
Pomeroy drowned Saturday night within the Willamette River close to Corvallis after the group she was tubing with acquired caught on an uncovered snag within the water, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office stated in an announcement. Pomeroy was pulled underneath the water and trapped by a paddle board leash hooked up to her, Captain Chris Duffitt stated. The group had tied their internal tubes and paddle board collectively.
Authorities stated they safely recovered the opposite two individuals on the shore and transported them to a ship launch.
The sheriff’s workplace stated it’s nonetheless working to get well Pomeroy’s physique. It searched the world utilizing sonar, underwater cameras and drones however was unable to seek out it because of heavy particles.
“I’m devoted to finding Naomi to carry her residence to her household and family members”, Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall stated in an announcement. “I wish to thank all concerned within the search and restoration mission and help throughout this troublesome time.”
The sheriff’s workplace warned individuals to not connect themselves to a paddle board except it has a fast launch leash, and suggested in opposition to tying two or extra internal tubes collectively, as doing so means every individual ought to have a life jacket.
The Oregon State Marine Board famous there was an “rising development” in recent times of individuals dying because of the leash on their get up paddle board, or SUP, getting tangled in brush or different particles in rivers.
“Most ankle leashes utilized by SUP customers usually are not designed for fast launch,” Brian Paulsen, the company’s boating security program manager, stated in an announcement Tuesday. He stated fast launch leashes, designed for transferring water, are worn across the waist.
Pomeroy rose to prominence within the Portland meals scene after opening the restaurant Beast in 2007. There, diners may take pleasure in a six-course prix fixe dinner served at communal tables and constructed round Pomeroy’s penchant for butchering entire animals.
The restaurant paved the best way for Pomeroy to win a coveted James Beard award for finest chef within the Northwest in 2014, across the similar time Portland was hovering in recognition as a journey vacation spot for its meals scene, pure magnificence and quirky popularity. The restaurant closed throughout the coronavirus pandemic, however Pomeroy had only recently opened a brand new frozen custard store.
Pomeroy was additionally identified for her look on cooking exhibits, together with Top Chef Masters, and owned the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate together with her husband. The bar was closed Monday, KOIN reported, as mourners left flowers and remembrances stacked outdoors the enterprise.
Heather Wallberg, who owns a restaurant throughout from Expatriate and has labored within the trade for over a decade, advised KOIN that Pomeroy “made the Portland meals scene what it’s at this time.” She stated she reached out to Expatriate to supply any assist they want.
Pomeroy’s sudden passing “reminds you of the fragility of life,” she stated.
U.S. Rep. Earl Blumenauer from Oregon issued an announcement describing Pomeroy’s loss of life as a tragic loss.
“Naomi was not only a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, however an incredible human being,” Blumenauer stated. “Her influence went far past Portland, serving to set up our management and popularity for meals excellence. She will likely be significantly missed.”
