Naomi Pomeroy, a chef who won awards, has died at the age of 49. Friends confirmed that the former Top Chef Masters contestant had died.

The woman was on the Willamette River outside of Portland, Oregon, with two other people tubing. At first, no one knew who she was. A few days later, it was proven that the woman was Naomi.

The accident happened because Naomi wasn’t wearing a life jacket when the three tied tubes hit a tree in the water, sending Naomi underwater and never coming back up.

Around 8:25 p.m. on Saturday, police found Naomi’s body underwater. It turned out that a strong current kept her body from being found. The other two people, including Naomi’s husband Kyle Linden Webster, made it out alive.

“SO SAD TO HEAR THIS” Naomi’s last Instagram post, which promoted her newest cooking project called Garden Party, had a lot of goodbye comments from fans.

On July 1, the black-and-white picture of a group of people having dinner was shared. Someone wrote, “Wow, I don’t know what to say.” Naomi, take it easy. This is really sad to hear. I’m speechless.” We need to enjoy every moment of our short lives because they are so short. “She seemed to have lived that way, especially lately,” said a second.

“I can’t understand this. You were an angel, a legend, and a reason to live. “Rest in peace,” said someone else. “We will miss you!” said a fourth person. This really shocks me. Putting out love to the family.” “Love to your family from far away. I’m so sorry to hear that you have died. “You’re very smart,” someone else wrote.

“WHAT A LOSS!” When people heard the sad news, Congressman Earl Blumenauer made a statement. He worked with Naomi to help small restaurants during the pandemic.

“What a loss,” he said.“Naomi was a wonderful person as well as a great chef and businesswoman.

“Her influence went well beyond Portland; she helped us become leaders and known for our great food.”“She will be greatly missed.”

Pomeroy was a prominent figure in the Oregon culinary scene. She made a name for herself in Portland after opening her first restaurant, Beast, in 2007. Two years later, she was recognized as one of Food & Wine’s Best New Chefs.

In 2013, she and her husband launched a Portland cocktail bar named Expatriate. The following year, she received a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northwest and Pacific.

Pomeroy appeared on Iron Chef as well as Top Chef Masters, while she also served as guest judge on Top Chef in seasons 10, 15, and 18.

Following Naomi Pomeroy’s death, the show and its network, Bravo, released a statement on X, expressing their condolences.

The Bravo and Top Chef family send our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Chef Naomi Pomeroy. Naomi was a powerhouse chef who made an indelible mark on the culinary industry.”

May she rest in peace.