Top Chef Masters star Naomi Pomeroy dies aged 49 after horror tubing accident

Naomi Pomeroy has died at the age of 49.

Pomeory was best known for starring on reality TV show Top Chef Masters. The late professional chef featured on the third season of Bravo series and was also a contestant on Iron Chef in 2010.

Amazingly, Pomeroy had no culinary training and is said to have learnt the trade by other food-industry professionals.

Naomi Pomeroy has tragically died. (David Buchan/Variety/Penske Media via Getty Images)

Prior to her TV appearances, she'd opened her first restaurant in Portland, Oregon.

Pomeroy has now died in tragic circumstances. She lost her life on Saturday, July 13, in a tubing accident.

The 49-year-old was floating down the Willamette river with her husband and a friend when they hit a submerged branch, The New York Times reports.

The trio were then thrown into the river's fast-moving waters, and while the other two were able to make it to shore, the professional chef didn't survive.

Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BSCO) haven't been able to locate her underwater as a result of strong currents and debris in the river.

The TV chef had been tubing on the Willamette River in Oregon. (UCG / Contributor)

BSCO said in a statement yesterday (July 16), as per Entertainment Weekly: "An investigation by BCSO determined three adults recreating on tubes and a paddle board (two tubes were secured together and the paddle board was attached to Naomi), became entangled on an exposed snag in the water.

"One of the adults, Naomi, was pulled under the water and unable to free herself due to the paddleboard leash."

As of yesterday (Tuesday 16) they were yet to retrieve the TV star's body from the water and are continuing to search for her.

Deputies have so far used 'all available tools, including sonar, underwater cameras, and drones, but were unable to locate any signs of Naomi in the area due to heavy debris in the water' to no avail.

Naomi Pomeroy starred on Top Chef Masters. (Bravo/Nicole Wilder/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Tributes have started rolling in for Pomeroy in the wake of the news of her death.

The official Bravo Top Chef X page wrote: "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."

Elsewhere Congressman Earl Blumenauer said: "What a loss. Naomi was not just a fabulous chef and entrepreneur, but an amazing human being.

"Her impact went far beyond Portland, helping establish our leadership and reputation for food excellence. She will be greatly missed."

According to KGW8, Pomeroy was in the midst of opening new restaurant next door to her custard shop at the time of her death.

Pomeroy is survived by her husband and daughter, August.

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