What happened to Michael Duarte? Food influencer FoodwithBearHands dies in 'horrible incident' days after wedding anniversary

The influencer was beloved by fans for his barbequing and grilling recipe videos, garnering more than two million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. His death was confirmed via social media.

A GoFundMe fundraiser has been set up to support his family, including his wife of nine years Jessica and their young daughter, Oakley. It said: “It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that Michael Duarte passed away in a horrible incident on Saturday, November 8th during his travel in Texas.”

Duarte’s death occurred only three days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with wife Jessica.

The GoFundMe has already raised more than $63,000 at the time of writing. Organiser Nena Petricca added: “The world may know him as "FoodwithBearHands", but to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and a great friend to many.

“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. 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.”

His management agency also posted a tribute to Duarte following his death. Alooma Media Group said in a statement: “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. 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. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will continue to live on through the lives he touched.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.”