A well-loved food influencer with a significant online presence has passed away unexpectedly in what his family has referred to as a ‘horrible incident.’
Michael Duarte, popularly known as FoodwithBearHands, was traveling through Texas on Saturday, November 8, when the unfortunate event occurred. Duarte was a beloved husband and father, followed by more than two million fans across various social media platforms.
Based in California, Duarte was renowned for showcasing his grilled and barbecued dishes with his followers. His collaborators described him as having ‘a rare gift for capturing the true spirit of BBQ: the smoke, the stories, the laughter.’
The exact cause of Duarte’s death has not been disclosed. However, his family mentioned on a GoFundMe page that the ‘heartbreak came without warning,’ just three days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife Jessica and their six-year-old daughter Oakley.
His family is seeking public assistance to cover the costs of bringing Duarte’s body back to California and ensuring Jessica and Oakley receive the support Michael would have wanted for them.
Following his sudden passing, the food community has been expressing their condolences, highlighting Duarte’s creativity and influence.
Miguel Raya (@cooking_with_fire___) honored Duarte by saying, “He was insanely creative and captured the hearts of many. I am gonna miss him. He was such an amazing person.”
Clement Leung (@insta.noodls) also shared a tribute: “Just saw the news, I’m so sorry for your loss. Your ramen recipes were unmatched. Always brought me joy when I saw your videos.”
Duarte’s passion for food began at an early age. At 14, he worked alongside his ‘mentor’ uncle at a small Mexican restaurant in Calipatria, close to the US-Mexico border, sparking his lifelong love for cooking.
He took his first steps into the world of food content creation during the Covid pandemic. After working in various San Diego restaurants, he left his job to focus on posting videos for his growing audience. However, he experienced a ‘mental health crisis’ that led him to seek rehabilitation.
After returning to the restaurant scene and sharing his culinary insights online, his first video featured his daughter, as reported by People.
He stated: “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.”
Duarte’s agency, Alooma Media Group, expressed their sorrow over losing a ‘valued creator and dear friend,’ adding on a more personal note: “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.
“Michael’s passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him.”