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A reality television star with ties to Bravo has died. According to CBS News, Naomi Pomeroy, 49, of “Top Chef Masters” fame, died in a water tubing accident in the Willamette River in Oregon. Local authorities say Pomeroy drowned after she was pulled underwater and trapped, the outlet reported.
“BCSO marine deputies arrived shortly after, located a deceased female on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river with about one to two feet of water,” the Benton County Sheriff’s Office said, per CBS News.
The restaurateur had been out on the water with her husband and some friends on Saturday, July 13, 2024, when the accident occurred. Pomeroy is survived by her husband, Kyle Webster, and her daughter, August.
Authorities said Pomeroy was “trapped by a paddle board leash attached to her” and urged people to use a quick-release leash when paddle boarding on moving water, CBS News reported.
Pomeroy was a contestant on season 3 of “Top Chef Masters” back in 2011. She returned to the show to serve as a guest judge on “Top Chef” for seasons 10, 15 and 18.
Padma Lakshmi Released a Statement About Naomi Pomeroy
Padma Lakshmi knew Pomeroy well as the two appeared together on the “Top Chef” franchise, of which Lakshmi serves as the host. She released a statement on Instagram days after learning of Pomeroy’s death.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of chef Naomi Pomeroy. She was always a welcome presence at judges table and I was blessed to get to know this inspiring woman over the years. My condolences to her loved ones, what an incredible loss to our community,” Lakshmi captioned an Instagram post on July 18.
Fans took to the comments section of Lakshmi’s post to share their condolences.
“What a tragedy. I’m so sorry for the loss of your friend,” one person wrote.
“Oh no! She was so young and still so much to do! She will be missed,” someone else said.
“Oh no! So sad. My condolences and love to you and her family,” a third comment read.
Naomi Pomeroy’s Body Was Recovered Days After the Accident
Immediately following the calls for help, authorities began a search effort for Pomeroy’s body.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones,” said Sheriff Van Arsdall via Facebook. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”
On July 17, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Pomeroy’s body had been found.
“The deceased body of Naomi Pomeroy was located on the Willamette River about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany,” the Facebook update read.
“People canoeing on the river spotted a body and called 9-1-1. BCSO marine deputies arrived shortly after, located a deceased female on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river with about one to two feet of water. According to the victim’s description, the female was identified as Naomi Pomeroy, missing since July 13, 2024,” the statement continued.
Deputies released Pomeroy’s body to a funeral home, according to the statement.
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