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Naomi Pomeroy, an award-winning chef who helped put Portland on the map as a culinary destination and starred on "Top Chef Masters," has drowned in an inner tubing accident, authorities said. She was 49 years old. Pomeroy drowned Saturday evening in the Willamette River near Corvallis after the group she was tubing with got caught on an exposed snag in the water, the Benton County Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

Pomeroy was pulled under the water and trapped by a paddle board leash attached to her, Captain Chris Duffitt said. The group had tied their inner tubes and paddle board together. Authorities said they safely recovered the other two people on the shore and transported them to a boat launch.



The sheriff's office said it is still working to recover Pomeroy's body. It searched the area using sonar, underwater cameras and drones but was unable to find it due to heavy debris. "I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones", Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said in a statement .

"I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time." The sheriff's office warned people not to attach themselves to a paddle board unless it has a quick release leash, and advised against tying two or more inner tubes together, as doing so means each person should have a life jacket. The Oregon State Marine Board noted there has been an "emerging trend" in recent years of people dying due to the leash on their stand .

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