Food Influencer Michael Duarte Dies After “Horrible Incident” in Texas

Food influencer and social media creator Michael Duarte, known to millions online as @foodwithbearhands, has died following what his family described as a “horrible incident” while traveling through Texas. He was 36.

A Sudden and Tragic Loss

Duarte’s death was announced over the weekend through a post on his official Instagram account, which shared a link to a GoFundMe campaign created to support his family. The post stated that Duarte “passed away in a horrible incident” on Saturday, just days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica.

The GoFundMe described the tragedy as “unexpected and devastating,” noting that Duarte’s loved ones are now raising funds to assist his wife and young daughter. Authorities in Texas have not publicly released details about the circumstances surrounding his death.

His talent agency confirmed the news in a statement shared with media outlets, describing him as “a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, brother and a loyal friend to so many around the world.”

A Beloved Food Creator

Known for his cheerful, approachable videos, Duarte built a massive following across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, where his combined audience exceeded two million people. His content—often filmed outdoors—featured cooking demonstrations, barbecue techniques, and community food projects.

Duarte’s Instagram bio read: “My purpose is to share food with people who need it the most.” His videos reflected that mission, blending humor with empathy as he encouraged followers to see food as a way to connect and give back.

Family and Community at the Center

Duarte frequently featured his wife, Jessica, and their daughter in his posts, crediting them as his motivation for creating family-oriented content. Friends and fans often commented on the warmth that defined his videos and the sense of closeness he brought to his audience.

In a message shared on GoFundMe, his family wrote that Duarte was “a loving husband, father, son, and friend” who dedicated his life to making others happy through food and laughter. They thanked supporters for the outpouring of compassion in the days since his passing.

Remembered for His Generosity and Joy

Duarte’s cooking style and humor earned him recognition within the food influencer community, where he collaborated with brands and appeared at events celebrating outdoor cooking and grilling. Despite his growing fame, he remained grounded in his mission to use food as a tool for connection.

He often highlighted charity initiatives, community meals, and home-cooking tips for families on a budget. His followers admired not just his recipes but his message: that good food brings people together.

Members of the online food community, including other influencers and chefs, expressed grief at the news of his passing. Many described Duarte as “a bright light” and shared that he often reached out to encourage new creators.

In the days following his death, Duarte’s GoFundMe has received thousands of messages and donations, reflecting how deeply he touched people’s lives through his content. His fans continue to share his videos online, calling them reminders of his generosity and warmth.

While his loss has left a void in the food influencer world, his message lives on in the countless people he inspired to cook, share, and give back.

Michael Duarte is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their daughter.