Michael Duarte, Beloved Food Influencer, Passes Away!
Michael Duarte, the widely admired chef influencer, has tragically passed away in what his family described as a “horrible accident” while traveling in Texas. His untimely death has deeply affected fans and the culinary content community.
Michael Duarte’s Journey from Kitchen to Social Media Fame
Known online as “FoodWithBearHands,” Michael Duarte built a loyal following of over 2 million fans on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube with his engaging BBQ and grilling videos. According to his Instagram bio, his mission was “to share to the world food to people who need it the most.”
Alooma Media Group, Duarte’s talent agency, confirmed his death in an Instagram post:
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte. He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person.”
Early Life and Culinary Roots
Michael Duarte began cooking at just 14 in his uncle’s Mexican restaurant in Calipatria, California. He later worked in various San Diego restaurants before turning to social media content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In an Instagram post, Michael reflected on returning to content creation after rehab for a “mental health crisis.” He wrote,
“My first one was with my daughter. 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.”
Family and Legacy
Michael is survived by his wife Jessica, to whom he was married for nine years, and their 6-year-old daughter, Oakley. PEOPLE reports that a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to help cover costs for returning Michael’s body to California and arranging funeral expenses. The campaign reads: “This heartbreak came without warning. We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time.”
Impact on the Culinary Community
Michael Duarte’s vibrant personality and culinary expertise made him a beloved figure in the food influencer world. His agency highlighted,
“His warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and inspired.”
Key Facts About Michael Duarte
- Name: Michael Duarte
- Online Handle: FoodWithBearHands
- Followers: Over 2 million across social platforms
- Survived by: Wife Jessica and daughter Oakley
- Started cooking: Age 14 in his uncle’s restaurant
- Turned to social media: During COVID-19 pandemic
Fans can continue to celebrate Michael’s creativity and passion through his videos. His life and legacy have been remembered in other tributes, including People.
Mental Health Journey
Michael Duarte’s journey emphasizes the importance of mental health awareness in the creative industry. He showed that sharing one’s passion could bring joy, purpose, and connection to audiences worldwide. His story is a testament to the lasting impact of dedication and kindness.
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