A massive food influencer with millions of followers has died unexpectedly in what has been described as a ‘horrible incident’ by his family.
Michael Duarte, better known as FoodwithBearHands to his more than two million fans across various social media platforms, was traveling through Texas on Saturday, November 8, when the tragedy befell the husband and father-of-one.
The California-based foodie, known for sharing his latest grilled and barbecued creations with his followers, was described by his collaborators as having ‘a rare gift for capturing the true spirit of BBQ: the smoke, the stories, the laughter.’
Duarte’s cause of death in the ‘horrible incident’ has not been shared, but in a plea on GoFundMe his family said the ‘heartbreak came without warning’ just three days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with wife Jessica and six-year-old daughter Oakley.
Michael Duarte leaves behind a wife and daughter (Instagram/@bearmountainbbq)
The family also asked the public to help them with the costs of repatriating Duarte’s body to California, as well as to ‘make sure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wanted them to be.’
In the wake of the popular creator’s sudden death, tributes have poured in from his fellow foodies, many of whom pointed to the food influencer’s masses of creativity.
Miguel Raya (@cooking_with_fire___) praised Duarte’s work and character, saying: “He was insanely creative and captured the hearts of many. I am gonna miss him. He was such an amazing person.”
A tribute from Clement Leung (@insta.noodls) added: “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.”
The influencer’s lifelong relationship with food began at just 14, when he worked with his ‘mentor’ uncle at a small Mexican restaurant in his hometown Calipatria, on the US-Mexico border.
Here he worked his first job and developed a lifelong love of cooking.
Michael Duarte was known for his lip-smacking meaty creations (Michael Duarte/Instagram)
His journey into the world of food content began during the Covid pandemic, after working in a variety of restaurants in the San Diego area. After quitting his job to post more videos to his growing following, but then he said a ‘mental health crisis’ had forced him into rehab.
After he reemerged, he went right back to working in restaurants and sharing his food insights on social media. His first video was with his daughter, People reports.
He said: “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 agents, Alooma Media Group, shared their sadness at the loss of the ‘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.”
