Food influencer Michael Duarte widely known online as “FoodWithBearHands” died on November 8, 2025 while travelling in Texas with his family.
He had just celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife Jessica three days earlier, making the timing especially tragic. He is survived by his wife and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley.
Duarte died during a trip in Texas, described officially in a fund-raising post and in media reports as a “horrible accident” or “horrible incident.”
His growth trajectory: Born and raised in Calipatria, California, he started cooking young for his uncle’s restaurant, later moved into content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic, and built a following of over two million across social platforms.
His personal history included coping with the loss of his mother to breast cancer when he was young, and facing a mental-health crisis and rehab during the pandemic experiences he made part of his narrative and content.
Following his death, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to support his family, raise funds for funeral costs, and help his wife and daughter.
Despite the coverage, key details about the exact circumstances of Duarte’s death remain unconfirmed:
The specific nature of the “accident/incident” remains undisclosed whether it was vehicular, work-related, or something else.
No public official report, detailed account of events, or cause-of-death release has been referenced thus far in credible media.
Because of privacy concerns and the family’s grieving process, further details may emerge later, but right now the publicly available information is limited to a broad description of “horrible accident/incident while travelling.”
The tragic timing of Duarte’s death just days after celebrating a significant personal milestone with his wife amplified the emotional impact. Media reports highlight that he passed away just three days after their anniversary.
For his family, fans, and the online community he built, the juxtaposition of a celebratory moment followed by sudden loss added a layer of sorrow that resonated widely.
While the cause remains unclear, Duarte’s legacy is already being honoured in various ways:
His talent agency Alooma Media Group released a statement highlighting his “warmth, kindness, and generosity,” describing him as more than a client but a cherished partner and friend.
His content — centred around cooking, barbecue/grilling, and his mantra of “sharing food to people who need it the most” struck a chord with a wide audience.
The GoFundMe campaign not only raises necessary funds but is also a sign of the community’s support and tribute to his memory.
Michael Duarte’s death came as a sudden and shocking tragedy. A beloved food-creator with a strong personal story and devoted audience, he met his end during travel in Texas on November 8, 2025, mere days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary.
While the public details are limited described only as a “horrible accident” his impact as a husband, father, creator, and friend is being celebrated and mourned. As more information may become available, the community continues to support his family and remember his contributions.
