Award-winning Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy dies at 49

James Beard Award-winning chef and cookbook author Naomi Pomeroy has died at the age of 49, according to multiple reports.. The Pomeroy family confirmed the death. Portland Monthlywhich said Pomroy drowned after being involved in an inner tube accident over the weekend. Her husband, Kyle Linden Webster, There was also a third, unnamed person on the raft, but both survived.according to Oregonian.Kezi reports that the accident happened After the inner tubes, which were tied together, failed while floating in the Willamette River on the evening of July 13.

Efforts to recover Pomeroy’s body continue by the Benton County, Oregon Sheriff’s Office.

“Yesterday and today, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office had personnel… Marine Patrol deputies and search and rescue personnel on the water, continuing efforts to recover the victim. Debris in the river, currents and ripped rocks make it unsafe for divers to conduct any underwater exploratory search. We will continue our efforts to recover the victim, and bring [closure] “To the family and community,” Sheriff Jeff Van Arsdal told Eater via email.

Pomeroy was beloved in the Portland area for her innovative cooking at restaurants like Beast, which later became Ripe Cooperative. She recently opened a permanent location of her custard shop, Cornet Custard, and was working on a restaurant in the former Woodsman Tavern space. She was also known for running Top Professional ChefsEarly in her career, she was widely Recognized as a new chef to watch by publications Likes Food and Wine And OperaIn 2014, she was awarded the James Beard Award for Best Female Chef in the Pacific Northwest after being nominated three times before. This summer, Pomeroy was scheduled to host a dinner series called garden party With restaurant owner Luke Dirks.

according to Portland MonthlyThe Pomeroy family has requested privacy and has not announced plans for a memorial. This story is developing.

Update: July 15, 2024, 5:15 p.m. PT: This story has been updated to include comment from Benton County, Oregon, Sheriff Jeff Van Arsdale.