Portland chef and restaurateur Naomi Pomeroy died after a tubing accident on Oregon’s Willamette River on July 13, 2024. She was 49. Benton County authorities said a paddleboard leash held her underwater after the group’s gear became caught on an exposed snag. Her body was recovered four days later.
What happened to Naomi Pomeroy?
According to the Los Angeles Times’ account of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office investigation, three people floating on inner tubes and a paddleboard had secured their equipment together. Authorities said the group became caught on an exposed snag in the Willamette River on July 13, 2024. Pomeroy was pulled underwater and held by the paddleboard leash. The other two people were brought safely to shore.
The account describes the sheriff’s office’s determination; it is not an independent firsthand reconstruction of the accident. The Times reported that canoeists spotted Pomeroy’s body in the river near Hyak Park, between Corvallis and Albany, on July 17, and that authorities recovered it that day.
What safety advice did the sheriff’s office give?
After the accident, the Benton County Sheriff’s Office warned that rivers carry currents and hazards and encouraged people to scout a route before floating. The office also gave specific guidance, quoted by the Times:
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- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high impact and abrasion resistance
- DUAL BOSTON VALVES – Located on the side of the boat, the boston valves on two main hull chambers will provide easy quick inflation and fast deflation
- EXTRA STORAGE – Extra space in the bow and stern allows for storing any necessities for your adventure; stainless steel D-rings also allow the safety and ease of tying down dry bags and gear
- SPACIOUS – With an inflated size of 10'4" x 5'5" x 1'5" and a maximum weight capacity of 1100 pounds, the Excursion 4 blow up boat is large enough to sit four adults comfortably
- ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES – Includes two 54 inch boat oars, two detachable fishing rod holders, gear pouch, carry bag, high-output pump and a repair patch; WEighs 50.7 pounds
- Do not tie yourself to a paddleboard unless you are using a quick-release leash.
- Do not tie two or more inner tubes together. The office said that if tubes are tied together, each person must have a life jacket.
- Children 12 and younger must wear a life jacket.
These are the sheriff’s office’s recommendations as reported by the Times, not a substitute for checking applicable boating rules or conditions before a trip.
Who was Naomi Pomeroy?
Pomeroy was a Portland chef and restaurateur whose work reached a national television audience. She competed on Season 3 of Top Chef Masters, which aired in 2011, and placed fourth, according to Bravo’s report and tribute. The network described her as “a powerhouse chef who made an indelible mark on the culinary industry.”
Rank #2
- EASY TRANSPORT – Lightweight and compact, this kayak is easy to assemble and, with the Boston valve, it inflates and deflates in minutes; paddles come apart and the pieces can be conveniently stored with the boat in the included carrying bag allowing you to take the fun of kayaking wherever you go
- READY FOR ADVENTURE – Explorer K2 Kayak is great for experiencing lakes and mild rivers with a friend, this kayak is sporty and fun with a streamlined design for easy paddling, with the bright yellow color and sporty graphics this makes the kayak highly visible in the water
- STABILITY – Made with rugged vinyl construction and built for performance, this sturdy kayak has an inflatable I-beam floor, a low-profile deck, and high-buoyancy side chambers for stability, comfort, and function; the removable skeg provides exceptional directional movement
- 2-PERSON CAPACITY – The Explorer K2 is a two person capacity kayak with a 400 pound maximum weight capacity. When fully inflated the kayak measures at 10.3 feet X 3 feet X 1.8 feet
- ADVENTURE ACCESSORIES – Includes two 86 inch kayak paddles, two inflatable seats with backrests, heavy-duty grab handles with grab lines, two quick-fill Bonston valves, high-output pump and one repair patch
She opened the Portland restaurant Beast in 2007 and won the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Pacific Northwest in 2014. Her career also included the Portland businesses Expatriate and Cornet Custard. In 2016, she published Taste & Technique, a cookbook ABC News identified as part of her culinary legacy. ABC News and Eater Portland reported on her career and work in Portland.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- SUPER-STRONG – SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high impact and abrasion resistance
- TRIPLE AIR CHAMBERS – Three air chambers, including one inner auxillary chamber for added safety; inflation and deflation is made easy constructed with two quick-fill Boston valves to get you on the water faster
- ACCESSORIES – Included with (x2) 48-inch boat oars for easy paddling, welded-on oar locks and oar holders, grab handles on each side and an all-around grab line for convenience
- PUMP INCLUDED – The water is calling to get out there and explore; inflate the Challenger in just minutes with the convenience of the high-output hand pump
- WEIGHT CAPACITY – Boating is always better with a pal, the Challenger recommended capacity is perfect for two adults, holding up to 300lbs in weight
Rank #4
- WELDED ON OAR LOCKS – The Intex Explorer 200 has welded-on oar locks, which means that you can attach oars to the boat for secure rowing. (Oars Sold Separately)
- 2 AIR CHAMBERS WITH DOUBLE VALVES – The two chambers allows for quicker and easier inflation, as the user can use both chambers simultaneously to fill the boat with air
- INCLUDES REPAIR PATCH – Repair any holes on your Explorer with the repair patch. The repair patch is a useful accessory that can help extend the life of the boat and ensure that it remains safe and functional for longer
- 2 PERSON CAPACITY – The Explorer 200 is a 2 person boat with a maximum weight of 210 pounds; when inflated, the boat is approximately 6.1 feet X 3.1 feet X 1.4 feet
- SAFETY, QUALITY, and VALUE – Intex designs, builds, and tests all its products to the highest standards with safety as the first order of business; our affordable and innovative products are built to last
Rank #3
- 3 air chambers including an inner auxiliary chamber inside main hull
- SuperStrong enhanced molecular formulation PVC provides superior strength and durability, ensuring high impact and abrasion resistance
- Boston valve on two main hull chambers for quick-fill, fast-deflation
- Rugged vinyl construction with all-around grab line
- Inflatable I-beam floor for comfort and rigidity; Two fishing rod holders included
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