Food Influencer Michael Duarte Dies at 36 in Tragic Incident

Michael Duarte, a well-known food influencer recognized online as FoodWithBearHands, passed away on November 8, 2023, during a tragic incident while traveling in Texas. He was 36 years old. The news of his untimely death was confirmed by his talent agency, Alooma Media Group, which released a heartfelt statement on Instagram expressing their profound sadness.

While the specific circumstances surrounding his death have not been disclosed, the agency highlighted Duarte’s significant impact on both his audience and colleagues. “His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him,” the statement read.

Duarte had built a substantial following, amassing over 2 million combined followers across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. His content primarily focused on cooking, particularly barbecue and grilled meats. His death came just three days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica Duarte.

Jessica has since launched a fundraising campaign to assist with the costs of bringing her husband back to California and covering funeral expenses. As of the latest updates, the campaign had raised over $60,000 toward a goal of $100,000. “This heartbreak came without warning,” the fundraising page stated. “To the world you were foodwithbearhands, but to us, you were a loving husband and father.”

In a moving tribute on Instagram, Jessica expressed her sorrow and determination, saying, “You didn’t deserve this. I will love you forever and I will be strong for our daughter.” The couple had a six-year-old daughter, Oakley, who is now left to navigate life without her father.

Born and raised in Calipatria, California, Duarte faced personal challenges throughout his life. Raised by a single mother who succumbed to breast cancer when he was 21, he found solace in cooking, learning from his uncle who owned a small Mexican restaurant. After moving to San Diego at the age of 18, Duarte worked in various food establishments, honing his culinary skills.

His journey into food content creation began during the COVID-19 pandemic, a time when he confronted mental health challenges. In a previous social media post, he candidly described a mental breakdown during the pandemic, stating, “Looking back, I know that breakdown came from feeling like I had failed at life.” It was during this difficult period that he began sharing cooking videos online, finding joy in the process and connection with others.

Duarte’s Instagram bio encapsulated his mission: “My purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most.” His genuine approach to cooking and community resonated widely, making him a beloved figure in the online food space.

Alooma Media Group characterized Duarte as “a devoted husband, a loving father, brother, and a loyal friend to so many around the world.” They noted his warmth and generosity, emphasizing that “Michael’s passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him.”

As friends, family, and fans mourn his loss, the legacy of Michael Duarte, the passionate creator known for his love of food and his family, will undoubtedly live on through the countless lives he touched.