GONE TOO SOON

Food Influencer Dies in ‘Horrible Accident’ Days After Wedding Anniversary

Michael Duarte, known on social media as “FoodWithBearHands,” is survived by his wife and their 6-year-old daughter.

A California-based food influencer was killed in a “horrible accident” on Saturday, according to a GoFundMe post shared to his social media. Michael Duarte, who went by “FoodWithBearHands” on the Internet, died while traveling with his family in Texas, only three days after he and his wife celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” his talent agency, Alooma Media Group, said in a statement posted to Instagram. “He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person.” No further details were released about the fatal accident. Duarte had over 2 million combined followers across his social media accounts, where he posted cooking videos and shared recipes. “The world may know him as ‘FoodWithBearHands’, but to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and a great friend to many.” the description in the GoFundMe post read. “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.”