Award-winning Portland chef Naomi Pomeroy drowns in Willamette River

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Naomi Pomeroy, a noted Portland chef and a James Beard Award winner, died in a tragic accident on the Willamette River Saturday night, her friends told KOIN 6 News.

The Benton County Sheriff's Office confirmed the death of a 50-year-old woman, and said they "are working on recovering the body." The author and contestant on "Top Chef Masters" was floating on the Willamette River in Benton County when she drowned.

Close friends and those who worked beside...