A fundraiser has been launched for the heartbroken relatives of food fanatic, Michael Duarte who had millions of fans across the globe – he died suddenly on November 8
Michael Duarte died in a ‘horrible incident’(Image: GoFundMe)
A much-loved food influencer has died suddenly in what has been reported as a “horrible incident.” Michael Duarte, known as FoodWithBearHands from California passed away on November 8 – just days after celebrating his wedding anniversary.
It is understood he died while travelling in Texas although further details have yet to be announced, The Mail reports. A tribute from his talent agency, Alooma Media Group said: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte.
“He was a true and loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person. 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.”
‘He was a true and loyal partner’(Image: Instagram / @foodwithbearhands)
A GoFundMe page has also been launched to cover funeral expenses, as well as bring Duarte back to California to his wife Jessica and their daughter, Oakley.
It states: “This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses.
“During this time, and in the months/years ahead, we want to make sure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wanted them to be.
“Your support would bring comfort, stability, and a reminder that they are not carrying this weight alone.”
The GoFundMe has already raised over $61,000. Media outlets reported that his family described his death only as a “horrible incident.”
Michael started sharing recipes on social media platforms, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube where he gained over 2m followers. His bio on Instagram read: “my purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most.”
The news comes after heartfelt tributes have flooded in after the devastating death of a beloved television chef and presenter, who perished in a helicopter crash.
Mynie Steffens died in a helicopter crash(Image: NX)
Mynie Steffens, a 43-year-old culinary icon and cookbook author, was airborne on Monday morning when her aircraft collided with power lines before plummeting to the earth. together.”
Steffens, who had been undertaking agricultural work at the time, tragically lost her life alongside the pilot at the crash site.
Farm owner Ruan Scheepers, whose employees witnessed the horrific incident, called it “a frightening ordeal” and confirmed that emergency services were summoned straight away.
Authorities have now initiated a probe into what caused the helicopter to strike the power lines, with officials stating that the Civil Aviation Authority’s accident unit is spearheading the investigation, reports the Express.
Police confirmed it was premature to reveal additional information but offered their sympathies to both victims’ families.
Steffens had become a familiar face across her homeland through her smash-hit TV programme Speel met Vuur – which translates as Play with Fire – combining her passion for cuisine, adventure and narrative.
