Key Highlights
- Michael Duarte, the beloved food influencer known as “FoodWithBearHands,” passed away on Saturday, November 8, following a tragic incident.
- A GoFundMe campaign established to support his wife and young daughter has already surpassed $58,000, showcasing a massive outpouring of community support.
- Duarte was a celebrated barbecue and food content creator, known for his viral recipes and engaging personality.
- The influencer had previously opened up about his personal struggles, including a mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic, inspiring many with his story of recovery and success.
The food content creator community is in mourning following the sudden and tragic death of Michael Duarte, known to thousands of his followers as “FoodWithBearHands.” Duarte passed away on Saturday, November 8, after what a family fundraising page described as “a horrible incident” while he was traveling to Texas.
A Community Rallies in Support
In the wake of the devastating news, a GoFundMe campaign was launched by Nena Petricca to provide financial assistance to Duarte’s wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley. The response was immediate and overwhelming. The campaign, which aims to cover funeral expenses and provide long-term support for the family, has already raised over $58,000 from more than 410 individual donations, a testament to the impact Duarte had on his community.
The organizer wrote, “The world may know him as ‘FoodwithBearHands’, but to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and a great friend to many… Your support would bring comfort, stability, and a reminder that they are not carrying this weight alone.”
From Personal Struggles to Viral Sensation
Duarte’s journey to becoming a beloved influencer was one of resilience. Hailing from Calipatria, California, he was raised by a single mother whom he adored. After moving to San Diego at 18, he tragically lost his mother to breast cancer just three years later.
He worked in various restaurants, honing his culinary skills, but it was during the COVID-19 pandemic that his life took a pivotal turn. As he recounted in a candid Instagram post, the shutdown took a severe toll on his mental health, leading to a breakdown and a period in rehab.
“Looking back, I know that breakdown came from feeling like I had failed at life,” he shared.
However, after rehab, Duarte channeled his energy into creating cooking videos. His passion and authenticity resonated with viewers, and “FoodWithBearHands” grew into a massive brand across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, amassing a legion of dedicated followers.
A Cherished Friend and Partner
His talent management agency, Alooma Media Group, released a statement mourning his passing, describing him as much more than just a client. “He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person,” the agency stated. “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.”
Duarte is survived by his wife of nine years, Jessica, and their daughter, Oakley. His family has yet to announce funeral plans as tributes continue to pour in across social media for the man who shared his love for food and his story of hope with the world.
Image Referance: https://www.primetimer.com/news/who-was-michael-duarte-and-what-happened-to-him-gofundme-raises-over-58-000-as-influencer-foodwithbearhands-passes-away