Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy’s body recovered from Willamette River

PORTLAND Ore. (KPTV) - Renowned Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy has died at age 49. Her body was recovered Wednesday morning from the Willamette River.

The Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Pomeroy drowned on the Willamette River in Corvallis, about 100 yards upstream from the Mary’s River, on Saturday evening.

Pomeroy’s body was found about half a mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany. People canoeing on the river spotted a body called 9-1-1.

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Deputies arrived and found what was later identified as Pomeroy’s body on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river.

An investigation showed three floaters on tubes and a paddle board, all secured together, were caught on an exposed snag in the water when Pomeroy was pulled under the water.

Rescue crews responded but were unable to recover Pomeroy until Wednesday.

The sheriff’s office said a boat was on the water every day since Saturday to try to recover Pomeroy.

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“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones”, said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”

Pomeroy was known for her fine dining restaurants like ‘Beast’ and ‘Clark-Lewis.’ She won a James Beard Award for “Best Chef Northwest” in 2014.

Congressman Earl Blumenauer released a statement, “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.”

Erika Polmar knew Pomeroy for decades and along with others, co-founded the Independent Restaurant Coalition, a nationwide movement to support restaurants and bars during the pandemic.

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“[Pomeroy was] always advocating for restaurant, restaurant, owners and restaurant employees to have a better and brighter and more sustainable future. She was really committed to everyone in the industry.”

Polmar calls Pomeroy not just a friend, but a mentor who changed the lives of many.

”Naomi believed in me more than I believed in myself,” says Polmar. “If it weren’t for her… sorry… if it weren’t for her, I wouldn’t have the job I have.”

Pomeroy is survived by her husband, Kyle, and daughter, August, 23.