The culinary world is mourning the loss of Naomi Pomeroy, a trailblazing American chef and restaurateur who helped put Portland, Oregon on the gastronomic map. Naomi Pomeroy passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 49. Naomi Pomeroy Cause of Death was a tragic tubing accident on the Willamette River near her hometown of Corvallis.

Naomi Pomeroy’s death was a shock to the food community. The details of Naomi Pomeroy’s death are heartbreaking – she drowned after becoming trapped underwater by a leash attached to her paddle board while tubing with friends. Rescue crews searched extensively but challenging river conditions hampered recovery efforts. The Naomi Pomeroy death announcement prompted an outpouring of tributes to her life and legacy.

Born on November 30, 1974 in Corvallis, Naomi Pomeroy’s biography is one of a self-taught chef who became a culinary star. With no formal training, she developed her skills through observation and hard work. In the early 2000s, Pomeroy and a partner ran an influential supper club in Portland that helped spark national pop-up restaurant trends.

In 2007, Naomi Pomeroy opened Beast, an acclaimed restaurant that exemplified her nose-to-tail, locally-sourced cooking philosophy. Beast earned Pomeroy wide recognition, including Food & Wine’s Best New Chef in 2009. Her biggest achievement came in 2014 when she won the prestigious James Beard Foundation Award for Best Chef: Northwest.

Pomeroy expanded her reach through appearances on TV cooking competitions like Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef. She also co-owned the popular cocktail bar Expatriate and authored the cookbook Taste & Technique. Recently, Pomeroy had opened a new ice cream shop called Cornet and was planning a French restaurant.

Beyond her culinary skills, Naomi Pomeroy was known as a strong advocate for independent restaurants, co-founding the Independent Restaurant Coalition during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was also outspoken about reforming toxic, male-dominated kitchen culture in the wake of the #MeToo movement.

The latest news of Naomi Pomeroy’s death sent shockwaves far beyond Portland. Celebrity chefs and food personalities shared remembrances and condolences. Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer paid tribute to Pomeroy as an “extraordinary individual” whose influence helped make Portland a dining destination.

As the food world processes the tragedy of how Naomi Pomeroy died, her family has asked for privacy. There are no public details yet on funeral or memorial plans. But it’s clear Naomi Pomeroy’s death at age 49 came far too soon.

While the facts around Naomi Pomeroy’s cause of death are devastating, her legacy as a chef is inspiring. Through talent and determination, she rose to become one of the country’s most acclaimed culinary figures. From fine dining at Beast to cocktails at Expatriate to her latest ice cream venture, Pomeroy’s creativity and leadership helped define Portland’s food scene for decades.

Naomi Pomeroy’s achievements extended nationally through her TV appearances, award wins, and advocacy work. She broke barriers as a female chef and used her platform to push for positive change in the restaurant industry. Even as her loss is mourned, Naomi Pomeroy’s impact and influence will endure as part of her incredible life story. The culinary community will continue to honor this visionary chef’s memory and all that she gave to the world of food.

FAQS

What was Naomi Pomeroy’s net worth at the time of death?

Naomi Pomeroy’s net worth at the time of her death in 2024 was estimated to be around $5 million. As a successful chef, restaurateur, and TV personality, she built a thriving culinary empire in Portland, Oregon that included the acclaimed restaurant Beast, cocktail bar Expatriate, and other ventures.

Is Naomi Pomeroy really dead?

Yes, sadly Naomi Pomeroy passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 49. Naomi Pomeroy Cause of Death was confirmed by her husband Kyle Webster and the Benton County Sheriff’s Office after her body was recovered from Oregon’s Willamette River following a tragic inner tubing accident.

How did Naomi Pomeroy die?

Naomi Pomeroy died in a drowning accident while inner tubing on the Willamette River in Oregon with her husband and another individual on July 13, 2024. She submerged after the group’s tubes got caught on an exposed branch and did not resurface. Search and rescue efforts initially could not locate her body.

What was the cause of Naomi Pomeroy’s death?

The cause of Naomi Pomeroy’s death was drowning. She passed away after a tragic inner tubing accident on Oregon’s Willamette River when her tube got caught on a submerged branch and she was pulled under the water. Despite rescue attempts, Pomeroy did not survive the incident.

When did Naomi Pomeroy pass away?

Naomi Pomeroy passed away on July 13, 2024 at the age of 49. The acclaimed chef and restaurateur died in a drowning accident while inner tubing with her husband and another person on the Willamette River in Oregon. Her death sent shockwaves through the culinary community.

Where did Naomi Pomeroy die?

Naomi Pomeroy died on the Willamette River near Corvallis, Oregon. She drowned after her inner tube got snagged on a branch in the river, pulling her underwater. Her body was later recovered by authorities about half a mile upstream from Hyak Park.

Was Naomi Pomeroy’s death unexpected?

Yes, Naomi Pomeroy’s death at age 49 was sudden and unexpected. The accident that claimed her life occurred during a recreational outing while she was inner tubing on the river with family. As an active member of the culinary community, her passing came as a shock to many who knew and admired her.

What are people saying about Naomi Pomeroy’s death?

The culinary world is mourning the tragic loss of Naomi Pomeroy, a pioneering and influential chef. Colleagues and admirers are remembering her as a visionary who helped put Portland on the map as a dining destination. Bravo and the Top Chef family expressed condolences and praised her lasting impact. Friends called her creative, dedicated, and an incredible mentor.

How can I pay tribute to Naomi Pomeroy?

Those wishing to honor Naomi Pomeroy’s life and legacy can pay tribute in several ways. You can make a donation in her name to organizations supporting aspiring chefs or women in the culinary arts. Sharing memories, photos, and reflections on her impact using the hashtag #RememberingNaomiPomeroy on social media is another touching way to celebrate her.

Are there any memorials planned for Naomi Pomeroy?

Details on public memorials for Naomi Pomeroy have not yet been announced as her family grieves privately. However, the culinary community is likely to come together to celebrate her life and many contributions in the coming weeks and months. Restaurants may plan special tribute dinners in her honor.

What was Naomi Pomeroy best known for?

Naomi Pomeroy was best known as a pioneering and influential chef who helped establish Portland, Oregon as a top culinary destination. She founded the acclaimed restaurant Beast, which earned her the title of James Beard Best Chef: Northwest in 2014. Pomeroy also competed on Top Chef Masters and Iron Chef, cementing her status as a leading figure in the food world.

What was Naomi Pomeroy’s legacy?

Naomi Pomeroy leaves behind a legacy as a visionary chef who elevated Portland’s dining scene and paved the way for other women in the male-dominated restaurant industry. Her exacting standards, creativity, and leadership made her a respected mentor to many. Through her restaurants like Beast and Expatriate, cookbooks, and TV appearances, Pomeroy promoted local ingredients and French-inspired cuisine with an Oregon twist.

Was Naomi Pomeroy ever married?

Yes, at the time of her death, Naomi Pomeroy was married to Kyle Webster. The couple co-owned the cocktail bar Expatriate in Portland. Webster was with Pomeroy when the inner tubing accident occurred that tragically claimed her life on the Willamette River in July 2024.

Did Naomi Pomeroy have children?

Yes, Naomi Pomeroy and her husband Kyle Webster had one daughter together named August. Not much is publicly known about their family life, as Pomeroy tended to keep her personal life private and separate from her very public role as a chef and restaurant owner.

How old was Naomi Pomeroy when she died?

Naomi Pomeroy was 49 years old at the time of her death on July 13, 2024. The James Beard Award-winning chef and Top Chef Masters alum passed away suddenly in a tragic drowning accident while inner tubing with her husband on Oregon’s Willamette River.

Is there an obituary available for Naomi Pomeroy?

Yes, obituaries and tributes to Naomi Pomeroy were published by multiple news outlets and culinary publications in the days following her tragic passing on July 13, 2024. The New York Times, Eater, The Oregonian, and Food & Wine were among the many sources memorializing the influential Portland chef’s life and legacy.

Where can I read more about Naomi Pomeroy’s life?

To learn more about Naomi Pomeroy’s incredible life and culinary career, visit TheDodoNews.com. The site has published in-depth articles looking back at her rise as a pioneering chef in Portland, her many accomplishments and accolades, and her lasting impact on the food world. The coverage includes personal reflections from friends and colleagues.

What will happen to Naomi Pomeroy’s work/projects?

Following Naomi Pomeroy’s sudden death, the future of her culinary ventures remains unclear. Her flagship restaurant Beast had already closed in 2020, but she had recently opened the Ripe Cooperative marketplace and had plans for a new French bistro. Her family and business partners will likely make decisions about continuing or closing those operations in the coming months.

Did Naomi Pomeroy leave a will?

It is not publicly known whether Naomi Pomeroy had a will at the time of her death. As a successful business owner, it is likely she had estate planning measures in place. However, the details of her assets and instructions she may have left behind remain private matters for her family to handle.

Did Naomi Pomeroy die of natural causes?

No, Naomi Pomeroy did not die of natural causes. The 49-year-old chef passed away due to a drowning accident on Oregon’s Willamette River while inner tubing with her husband and another individual on July 13, 2024. Her death was a sudden and tragic event.

Was Naomi Pomeroy suffering from any illness?

There have been no public reports that Naomi Pomeroy was battling any illnesses prior to her accidental drowning death in July 2024. The tragedy appears to be the result of a recreational outing on the river gone wrong and not related to any known health issues.

What was Naomi Pomeroy’s age at the time of death?

At the time of her tragic passing on July 13, 2024, celebrated chef and restaurateur Naomi Pomeroy was 49 years old. The Portland-based culinary trailblazer died suddenly in a drowning accident while inner tubing on the Willamette River with her husband.

When is Naomi Pomeroy’s funeral?

Details about Naomi Pomeroy’s funeral arrangements have not been made public as her family mourns privately. It is likely a memorial service celebrating her life and many contributions will be held in her hometown of Portland, Oregon in the coming weeks, where the food community can gather to pay their respects.

Last Update: July 18, 2024