Beloved food influencer, father dies in ‘horrible accident’ while traveling

Michael Duarte, a California-based food influencer known to millions as “FoodWithBearHands,” was killed this past weekend in what was described as a “horrible accident.”

The content creator died while traveling in Texas on Saturday, Nov. 8, according to a GoFundMe. Duarte died just three days after he and his wife Jessica celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.

“It’s been 24 hours since my world came crashing down. I’m numb, angry, depressed. Words can’t describe this kind of pain. I never thought I would be writing this,” Jessica wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday, Nov. 9.

“To the world you were foodwithbearhands but to us you were a loving husband and father. You didn’t deserve this. I will love you forever and I will be strong for our daughter and I know how much you loved us,” she continued. “If everyone can stop and please pray for our family. To my husband I will miss you…until we meet again.”

Alooma Media Group, Duarte’s talent agency, also confirmed the influencer’s death in an Instagram post on Sunday as well.

“Michael was so much more than a client to us at Alooma. He was a true & 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,” the agency wrote.

“Beyond his professional accomplishments, Michael was a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, brother and a loyal friend to so many around the world. His warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and inspired,” Alooma continued. “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. From all of us at Alooma, our hearts go out to Jessica, their daughter, and everyone who is mourning this loss. Michael will be deeply missed but never forgotten.”

Duarte garnered a following of roughly 2 million across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube for posting BBQ and grilling videos. His Instagram bio stated his purpose was “to share to the world food to people who need it the most.”

His path to social media began in Calipatria, California, where he started cooking at age 14 in his uncle’s Mexican restaurant. Duarte later worked in restaurants around San Diego before turning to content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The content creator is survived by his wife and their 6-year-old daughter, Oakley. The purpose of the GoFundMe is to cover the costs of bringing Duarte back home to California and 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 campaign read. “The family deeply thanks you for your love and support as they grieve through this tragic loss.”

As of Wednesday, the GoFundMe has raised more than $65,000 of its $100,000 goal.