Popular influencer Michael Duarte known as FoodWithBearHands dies in ‘horrible incident’
Food influencer Michael Duarte has died in what has been described as a ‘horrible incident’.
The California-based social media star, who posted under the username @foodwithbearhands, passed away on November 8, days after celebrating her wedding anniversary.
While the cause of Duarte’s death has not yet been disclosed, it is claimed that he died ‘without any warning in a terrible incident’ while traveling in Texas.
The news of Duarte’s death was announced at the memorial ceremony of the talent agency Alooma Media Group.
They said in the statement: ‘It is with deep sadness that we share the death of our valued customer and dear friend Michael Duarte.
‘He was a true and loyal partner, a reliable collaborator and, above all, an extraordinary human being. 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.’
A GoFundMe page has also been set up to cover funeral expenses and bring Duarte back to California.
According to the page, the money raised will also go towards the care of the internet star’s wife Jessica and daughter Oakley.
Popular food influencer Michael Duarte, known as Foodwithbearhands, has passed away.
Social media star died on November 8 after a ‘horrible incident’
“We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time, especially his six-year-old daughter, Oakley, and his wife, Jessica,” the website reads.
‘If you can help financially, please consider donating.’
At the time of this writing, GoFundMe has raised $61,367.
Duarte has amassed more than 839,000 fans on Instagram with her cooking videos.
She started posting cooking clips on social media as a hobby during the pandemic and continued to do so while helping rebuild a restaurant.
“I started posting cooking videos again on my days off; my first video was with my daughter,” she said in her bio shared on Instagram.
‘That’s when I realized how happy creating content made me.
‘Over time I began to realize that this wasn’t just a hobby, it could be a business, it could be something bigger than myself.’
Duarte is survived by his six-year-old daughter, Oakley, and his wife, Jessica (both pictured).
A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover his funeral and support his wife and daughter.
Tributes are pouring in following the news of Duarte’s death.
One commenter on the pinned Instagram post said: ‘I love you mate. I’m lost for words. So young, such a big heart. We were going to shoot a video or something this week. Be comfortable.’
Another wrote: ‘Mike, rest in peace dear friend. Thank you for all your kind words throughout the time we have known each other, from preparing family meals at Ruth’s to teaching me to be as good as you at video editing.
‘I will pray harder than ever for your wife and daughter!’
