Food influencer dead after ‘horrible incident’ days after celebrating anniversary with wife
Food influencer Michael Duarte has died.
The California-based content creator passed away in a “horrible incident” on Nov. 8 while travelling in Texas, according to a GoFundMe, though the cause of death is unclear.
The GoFundMe was created to support his family following his death — namely Jessica, his wife of nine years, and their six-year-old daughter Oakley.
“We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time,” the description on the donation page continues.
“This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses.”
Known as @foodwithbearhands on social media, Duarte shared cooking videos, recipes and his delicious creations to his more than two million fans across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube.
“My purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most,” his Instagram bio read.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” Alooma Media Group, his talent agency, wrote in an Instagram post.
“He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Duarte’s first bookmarked Instagram post tells his “story,” in which he details growing up in a small city near the U.S.-Mexico border and got his first job and learned to cook at the age of 14 at his uncle’s small Mexican restaurant.
The influencer revealed how he worked at several restaurants in the San Diego area, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he left his job to start posting cooking videos on social media.
After a stint in rehab for a “mental health crisis,” Duarte began working at a new restaurant and posting videos online again during his days off.
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“My first one was with my daughter,” he wrote. “That’s when I realized how happy creating content made me. Over time, I began to see it wasn’t just a hobby — it could be a business, something bigger than myself.”
His talent agency’s tribute noted Duarte’s devotion to his family and friends, and how his “warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction.”
They added: “Michael’s passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will continue to live on through the lives he touched.”
