Beloved Food Influencer and Father Dies in Tragic Travel Accident

Tragedy struck the food community when beloved influencer Michael Duarte, known as “FoodWithBearHands,” passed away in a travel accident. The incident occurred in Texas on Saturday, November 8. Duarte’s untimely death came just three days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife Jessica.

Community Mourning and Support

Jessica expressed her profound heartbreak on Instagram the following day. She described her overwhelming emotions of numbness and anger, emphasizing the void left by her husband’s death. “To the world, you were FoodWithBearHands, but to us, you were a loving husband and father,” she wrote. Jessica also urged people to pray for their family, vowing to remain strong for their daughter, Oakley.

Alooma Media Group, Duarte’s talent agency, also released a heartfelt tribute. They honored him as more than just a client, highlighting his passion, professionalism, and positive influence. “Michael’s warmth and kindness inspired everyone around him,” they stated in their post. They recognized the significant loss felt by all who knew him.

Duarte’s Legacy

Duarte was a prominent figure in the food content creation scene, amassing nearly 2 million followers across various platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. His engaging posts often featured BBQ and grilling techniques. His goal was clear: “to share food with people who need it the most.”

• Start of Career: Began cooking at 14 in a family restaurant in Calipatria, California.
• Profession: Worked in various San Diego restaurants before transitioning to content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Funding Support for the Family

In light of Duarte’s passing, a GoFundMe campaign was created to assist with his return to California and funeral expenses. The campaign aims to ensure Jessica and Oakley are supported during this challenging time. As of the latest updates, over $65,000 has been raised towards the $100,000 goal, reflecting the community’s love and support for the family.

“Your support brings comfort and stability,” the campaign message reads. The family expresses their gratitude for the outpouring of love as they navigate the grief of this tragedy.