Benton Co. Sheriff's Office

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News Release

Update: Body Of Drowning Victim Recovered (Photo) -07/17/24

CORVALLIS, Ore.This morning, July 17, 2024, at about 10:00 am, the deceased body of Naomi Pomeroy was located on the Willamette River about a half mile upstream of Hyak Park between Corvallis and Albany.

People canoeing on the river spotted a body and called 9-1-1.

BCSO marine deputies arrived shortly after, located a deceased female on a shallow section of bedrock near the middle of the river with about one to two feet of water.

According to the victim’s description, the female was identified as Naomi Pomeroy, missing since July 13, 2024.

Deputies released Naomi to a funeral home and notified her family of the recovery.

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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) continues search efforts for their first drowning victim of the year, 49-year-old Naomi Pomeroy, of Portland, OR

On Saturday, July 13, 2024, at about 8:25 pm, Naomi drowned in the Willamette River near river mile 132 in Corvallis, about 100 yards upstream from the Mary’s River.  

An investigation by BCSO determined three floaters on tubes and a paddle board, secured together, were caught on an exposed snag in the water. One of the floaters, Naomi, was pulled under the water and held by the paddle board leash. 

Corvallis Fire Department was first on scene with a boat and was unable to recover Naomi. BCSO responded shortly after and quickly began searching downriver from the incident site, both 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 Naomi 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.  

A BCSO boat has been on the water every day since Saturday to recover Naomi and plans to continue search.  BCSO will continue to re-assess the recovery mission daily. 

The public can assist by keeping an eye out for Naomi’s body and are encouraged to wear a life jacket and follow other boating laws and safety precautions. If located, immediately call 9-1-1 dispatch; do not attempt recovery efforts.

 “I am dedicated to locating Naomi to bring her home to her family and loved ones”, said Sheriff Van Arsdall. “I want to thank all involved in the search and recovery mission and support during this difficult time.”

Rivers are inherently dangerous with current and hazards. Know and/or scout rivers before you go at https://willamettewatertrail.org/plan-your-trip/

If you float rivers, do not tie yourself to a paddle board unless you have a quick release leash. 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 jacket. BCSO continues to remind paddlers of all laws at https://www.oregon.gov/osmb/pages/propulsion-landing-pages/go-paddling.aspx

BCSO would like to thank the Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis Police Department, Linn County Sheriff’s Office Dive Team and Albany Fire Department for their assistance. 

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Attached Media Files: 7.17.24.png,