By Jordan Grim • November 12, 2025 • 08:55 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 12, 2025 • 08:55 AM (PDT)
The online food community is mourning the loss of Michael Duarte, a beloved creator known for his cooking brand FoodWithBearHands. Duarte, 36, tragically died on November 8 in what his family described as a “horrible accident” while traveling in Texas — just three days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica.
Known for his creative barbecue and grilling content, Michael Duarte built a loyal following of more than two million across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. His videos, filled with warmth and authenticity, inspired viewers to try new recipes and celebrate family-style cooking.
Born and raised in Calipatria, California, near the Mexican border, Duarte began cooking at just 14 years old at his uncle’s restaurant. His early love for food eventually became a lifelong pursuit. After working in several restaurants across San Diego, he found his calling in online content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Duarte’s passion went beyond the kitchen. In one of his posts, he shared that content creation helped him recover from a mental health crisis after rehab — and that his first video back featured his daughter, Oakley. “That’s when I realized how happy creating content made me,” he wrote. “It wasn’t just a simple hobby; I came to see that it had the power to grow into something much bigger than myself.”
Duarte leaves behind his wife Jessica and their 6-year-old daughter Oakley. His passing was confirmed by Alooma Media Group, the agency that represented him, in a heartfelt Instagram post:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our cherished client and dear friend, Michael Duarte. He was a loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and a remarkable person.”
The agency praised his creativity and generosity, calling him a devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend whose warmth “made everyone around him feel valued and inspired.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Duarte family, covering funeral expenses and the cost of bringing Michael home to California. The family expressed their heartbreak in the campaign message, asking for prayers and strength during this difficult time.
Fans remember Michael Duarte not only for his food but also for his positivity and resilience. His goal, as he often shared, was to “bring food to people who need it most.” That mission resonated deeply with followers who saw his page as more than just recipes — it was a space for connection, hope, and joy.
Though the exact cause of the Michael Duarte accident has not been released, the impact of his life and work remains clear. From his humble beginnings in Calipatria to becoming a respected name among food influencers, Duarte built a legacy rooted in family, creativity, and kindness.
As the food world grieves, one message shines through — Michael’s love for food brought people together. His laughter, his recipes, and his heart will continue to inspire millions.
Michael Duarte’s journey reminds us how passion and purpose can turn ordinary moments into something unforgettable. Even in tragedy, his story continues to feed the world — one memory at a time.