The Benton County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for the body of a 49-year-old Portland woman who drowned Saturday in the Willamette River.
Naomi Pomeroy had been floating the river with two others on tubes and a paddle board that were secured together. In a spot on the Willamette River in Corvallis, about 100 yards upstream from the Marys River, the group got caught on an exposed snag in the water. Pomeroy was pulled under the water and held by the paddle board leash, the BCSO investigation determined.
The Corvallis Fire Department was first on scene with a boat but was unable to recover the woman’s body, BCSO reported. Deputies responded shortly after and quickly began searching downriver from the incident site by land and water.
Corvallis Fire Department personnel recovered the two other floaters on the shore and safely transported them to a boat launch.
BCSO deputies searched the area using all available tools, including sonar, underwater cameras and drones, but were unable to locate any signs of Pomeroy in the area due to heavy debris.
After all usable daylight diminished, search efforts were suspended due to boat safety and dive teams not being able to respond or deploy due to conditions, the agency reported. A BCSO boat has been on the water every day since Saturday to recover the body and plans to continue searching.
The public can assist by keeping an eye out for the victim’s body and are encouraged to wear a life jacket and follow other boating laws and safety precautions. If located, immediately call 911 dispatch. BCSO said recovery efforts should not be attempted.
“I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones”, Sheriff Jef Van Arsdall said through a press release. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”
BCSO reminds the public that rivers are inherently dangerous with current and hazards. Information on how to stay safe is available online.
“If you float rivers, do not tie yourself to a paddle board unless you have a quick release leash,” BCSO advised in the press release. “Also, do not tie two or more inner tubes together; this requires you to have a life jacket for each person. Kids 12 and younger must wear life jackets.”
Laws for paddlers can be found online at a state website.
The Oregon State Marine Board publishes guidelines and laws on paddle craft online.
BCSO issued thank yous to the Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Albany Fire Department for their assistance on the operation.