California-based food influencer Michael Duarte, known online as “FoodWithBearHands,” has died following what his family described as a “horrible accident” in Texas. Duarte passed away on November 8, just days after celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica.
The 36-year-old content creator was known for his viral cooking and BBQ videos shared across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, where he amassed a combined following of more than two million. His warm personality and signature “bear hands” cooking style earned him a loyal fanbase who admired his creativity and generosity in sharing his passion for food.
Duarte’s talent agency, Alooma Media Group, confirmed his death in a heartfelt post on November 9. The agency described him as “a remarkable person” whose passion and creativity left a lasting impact on everyone who worked with him. “His warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction,” the tribute read.
According to a GoFundMe created to support his family, Duarte was traveling with his wife and young daughter when the accident occurred. While details of the incident have not been publicly disclosed, the fundraiser described it as a “horrible accident” and asked for prayers for his loved ones during this difficult time.
The GoFundMe also noted that Jessica now faces the financial burden of bringing Duarte’s body home to California and covering funeral expenses. The campaign has since been shared widely by fans and members of the influencer community paying tribute to the beloved creator.
Michael Duarte grew up in Calipatria, California, near the U.S.-Mexico border. He credited his uncle, who owned a local Mexican restaurant, as the person who first inspired his love for cooking. Duarte began working in kitchens at age 14 and eventually built a career in the food industry.
When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted his work, Duarte turned to social media as an outlet for creativity. His cooking videos — often filmed with his bare hands while preparing meats and BBQ dishes — quickly gained attention for their authenticity and charm. He often included his young daughter, Oakley, in his videos, showing a playful and family-oriented side that resonated deeply with viewers.
In past interviews and posts, Duarte spoke openly about overcoming mental health struggles, crediting his family and passion for food for helping him rebuild his life. His social media bio read, “My purpose is to share food with people who need it the most.”
Since news of his passing broke, fans and fellow creators have flooded social media with tributes and condolences. Many praised Duarte for his positivity, humility, and impact on the food community. Alooma Media remembered him as “a devoted husband, loving father, brother, and loyal friend to so many around the world.”
His family, friends, and followers continue to honor his legacy by sharing his videos and messages of encouragement. Duarte’s story serves as a reminder of how one person’s creativity and compassion can inspire millions, even beyond the kitchen.
