Top Chef Star Naomi Pomeroy Found Dead in River at 49 — Shocking Details Emerge

Naomi Pomeroy, a well-known chef from *Top Chef*, has sadly passed away.

Her body was found in a river on July 17, after being missing for a few days. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that she drowned.

The investigation revealed that Pomeroy, her husband Kyle Linden Webster, and a friend were on tubes and a paddleboard that got tangled together.

The Corvallis Fire Department was able to rescue the other two adults and bring them safely to shore. Unfortunately, they couldn’t find Pomeroy right away, according to the sheriff’s office.

At the time of Naomi Pomeroy’s disappearance, Sheriff Van Arsdall stated, “This office is committed to finding Naomi and bringing her back to her family and loved ones. I want to thank everyone involved in the search and recovery mission during this challenging time.”

Her body was eventually found after being spotted by a group of canoers. Officials explained that she couldn’t free herself due to the paddleboard leash, which led to the tragic accident.

Naomi Pomeroy was a well-known figure in Oregon’s culinary world. She gained recognition in Portland after opening her first restaurant, Beast, in 2007. Just two years later, she was named one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs.

In 2013, she and her husband started a cocktail bar in Portland called Expatriate. The next year, she won a prestigious James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.

Pomeroy also made appearances on popular cooking shows like *Iron Chef* and *Top Chef Masters*, and served as a guest judge on *Top Chef* in seasons 10, 15, and 18.

After Naomi Pomeroy’s passing, Bravo and the *Top Chef* show released a statement on X, offering their condolences.

“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.”

They ended the message with, “May she rest in peace.”