Naomi Pomeroy, a trailblazing chef and icon of Portland’s independent food scene, has tragically passed away. Widely recognized for her culinary skills on Top Chef, Pomeroy’s body was found in the Willamette River on July 17, after being reported missing a few days prior. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that she drowned during an inner tubing outing near Corvallis.
The incident occurred when Pomeroy, her husband Kyle Linden Webster (co-owner of esteemed restaurants Expatriate and Yaowarat), and a friend became entangled while on connected tubes and a paddleboard. Despite rescue efforts, Pomeroy could not be immediately recovered.
Pomeroy’s impact on the Oregon culinary scene was profound. She gained fame in Portland after opening her groundbreaking fine-dining restaurant, Beast, in 2007. Known for its scrappy yet chic atmosphere, Beast earned her recognition as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs. In 2013, Pomeroy and her husband launched the Portland cocktail bar Expatriate, and the following year, she received a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.
Her appearances on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters solidified her status as a culinary powerhouse. Pomeroy also served as a guest judge on Top Chef in multiple seasons.
In the wake of her passing, Bravo and the Top Chef family expressed their heartfelt condolences. They recognized Pomeroy’s indelible mark on the culinary industry and mourned her loss.
May Naomi Pomeroy rest in peace.
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