The family of Michael Duarte has confirmed the popular food influencer died in a ‘horrible incident’ just three days after he and his wife marked a major milestone together.
Last Saturday (8 November), Duarte, 34, known by his social media moniker FoodwithBearHands, died whilst travelling through Texas.
Three days prior to his death, the cause of which has not been revealed, the California resident and his wife, Jessica, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary together.
In an emotional statement on Instagram, his grieving widow wrote: "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.
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“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.”
The father-of-one was described as a ‘loving husband, father, brother, and a great friend to many’ by someone who recently set up a GoFundMe in his honour.
“We ask that you lift Michael's family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time, especially for his 6-year-old daughter Oakley, and his wife, Jessica. If you are able to financially assist, please consider donating,” the page read.
“This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses.
“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.”
As per the page, funeral plans for the social media star remain undecided, but the family promises to keep fans updated.
“The family deeply thanks you for your love and support as they grieve through this tragic loss,” the description concluded.
Duarte's agents, Alooma Media Group, also confirmed the cook’s death, typing: "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."
In the wake of the content creator's sudden death, tributes have poured in from fellow foodies, including Miguel Ray, who praised Duarte's work and character.
"He was insanely creative and captured the hearts of many. I am gonna miss him. He was such an amazing person,” he wrote.
Another called the self-taught chef ‘an amazing man’ while someone else commented: “He was one of a kind. Same from the first day we met till his last day. I will forever remember that!”
The influencer’s lifelong love affair with food began when he was just 14, working under his ‘mentor’ uncle at a small Mexican restaurant in his hometown, Calipatria, on the US-Mexico border.
After years of working in various restaurants, he began sharing his love for food online, as per People.
“That’s when I realised how happy creating content made me," he said.
"Over time, I began to see it wasn’t just a hobby - it could be a business, something bigger than myself.”
At the time of writing (12 November), the fund is $63,866. You can donate here.
Topics: US Food, Social Media
Ella Scott