Food influencer Michael Duarte — best known by the social media handle @FoodWithBearHands — died on Saturday, November 8, in what was described as a “horrible incident.”
A GoFundMe page set up to cover funeral expenses and take care of Duarte’s family said the Instagram and TikTok influencer died in Texas just three days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with wife Jessica. The couple share a 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.
“The world may know him as ‘FoodwithBearHands,’ but to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother and a great friend to many,” the GoFundMe page description reads.
“This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses,” adds the description. “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.”
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“The funeral plans for Michael are undecided at this time, but we will update you all at a later date. The family deeply thanks you for your love and support as they grieve through this tragic loss,” the description concludes.
As of Wednesday, November 12, the GoFundMe page has raised over $63,000, more than half of its $100,000 target.
Duarte’s widow, Jessica, shared a heartfelt tribute to her late husband via Instagram on Sunday, November 9.
“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,” she wrote. “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. If everyone can stop and please pray for our family. To my husband I will miss you…until we meet again 💔.”
Duarte’s talent agency, Alooma Media Group, also mourned the influencer’s death in a statement posted via Instagram on Sunday.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” the agency said.
The statement continued, “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.”
“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,” the agency went on. “His warmth, kindness and generosity were felt in every interaction, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and inspired.”
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“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,” the statement said. “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 had over 800,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok. He achieved over 13 million “likes” on his TikTok account alone.
The influencer regularly posted food content, including recipes for Cajun surf and turf ramen, smoked lamb, pulled pork and more.
