The body of Naomi Pomeroy has finally been recovered after a freak inner tube accident ended in her death.
Just four days after a boating accident saw the Top Chef Masters star get dragged underwater, The Benton County Sheriff's Office in Portland, Oregon, has confirmed that they have located and recovered her body.
On Tuesday, the department initially reported that the 49-year-old drowned in the Willamette River at approximately 8:25 PM on Saturday (July 13).
"An investigation by BCSO determined three adults recreating on tubes and a paddle board (two tubes were secured together and the paddle board was attached to Naomi), became entangled on an exposed snag in the water," the department said in a news release.
"One of the adults, Naomi, was pulled under the water and unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash," the statement continued before going on to state that while rescue efforts at the scene were focused on recovering Pomeroy's body, they were unsuccessful.
"BCSO personnel have been on the water every day since Saturday searching for Naomi and will continue to deploy resources until her recovery," the statement added.
Now, in an update posted to Facebook, authorities have confirmed that they have found the 49-year-old's body.
"This morning, July 17, 2024, at about 10:00 am, the deceased body of Naomi Pomeroy was located on the Willamette River about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany," they wrote in an official statement.
They added that a group of people spotted the body while they were out canoeing and alerted 999 who managed to secure the "deceased female... on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river with about one to two feet of water."
The statement concluded by confirming that Pomeroy's family had been alerted of the news and her body has since been released to a funeral home.
It is believed that Pomeroy lost her life after a tubing incident while she was enjoying a day out with her husband Kyle Webster and one other individual.
The celebrity chef went underwater and reportedly did not come back up. At the time, she was not wearing a life jacket.
Webster recently spoke to the New York Times in an interview, telling the outlet that his wife was "at peace" with her life.
"Naomi was pretty advanced in her understanding of this cool ride we’re on,” he said. "She was more at peace in the last six months than she ever was before. She said she had done everything she was put here to do."
Since the news was announced, tributes have been pouring in for the late star.
“Just horrible news, we lost another great chef. My heart goes out to Naomi’s family,” Top Chef’s Tom Colicchio posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).
Cherry Bomb podcast host Kerry Diamond wrote on Instagram: “Im grateful I got to stop and smell the roses with Naomi. I’m so sorry for everyone’s loss. Rest in peace.”
Top Chef Masters also posted a tribute to X, 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."
Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer also added: "What a loss. Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being. Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed."
Our thoughts and prayers are with Pomeroy's loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
