'Top Chef Masters' star Naomi Pomeroy dies at 49 in tubing accident

Naomi Pomeroy, a chef who appeared on cooking shows like "Top Chef Masters," has died after drowning in a tubing accident, officials said. She was 49.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office said in a release Tuesday that it is continuing its search efforts for Pomeroy, who they say drowned in the Willamette River in Oregon on Saturday.

An investigation determined that Pomeroy was pulled under the water after she and two other adults became entangled while on tubes and a paddle board, according to the release. Officials said that Pomeroy couldn't free herself because of the paddle board leash.

Corvallis Fire Department members recovered the two other adults on the shore, and they were transported safely to a boat launch, but officials were unable to recover Pomeroy, per the sheriff's office.

"This office is dedicated to locating Naomi and bringing her home to her family and loved ones," Sheriff Van Arsdall said. "I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission during this difficult time."

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Pomeroy appeared as a contestant on "Top Chef Masters" in 2011. She also served as a guest judge on "Top Chef" and appeared on "Iron Chef," "The Taste" and "Knife Fight," according to IMDb.

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Born in Corvallis, Oregon, Pomeroy opened her Portland restaurant Beast in 2007, and in 2014, she received the James Beard Foundation Award for best chef in the northwest region.

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The official X account for "Top Chef" honored Pomeroy on Tuesday. "The Bravo and Top Chef family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chef Naomi Pomeroy," a post on the account read. "Naomi was a powerhouse chef who made an indelible mark on the culinary industry."

In its release, the Benton County Sheriff's Office noted that "rivers are inherently dangerous with current and hazards" and cautioned, "If you float rivers, do not tie yourself to a paddle board unless you have a quick release leash. Also, do not tie two or more inner tubes together; this requires you to have a life jacket for each person."