The social media food community is mourning the sudden loss of Michael Duarte, a popular content creator known to his millions of followers as @foodwithbearhands. The California-based influencer passed away on November 8, 2025, while traveling in Texas.
A Sudden and Tragic Loss
According to a GoFundMe campaign created to support his family, Duarte's death resulted from a "horrible incident," though the specific cause remains unclear. The tragic event occurred just days after he and his wife, Jessica, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.
The fundraiser highlights the sudden nature of this tragedy, stating the "heartbreak came without warning." It leaves Jessica facing the immediate financial burdens of repatriating her husband's remains to California and covering funeral expenses.
Remembering the Man Behind "Food With Bear Hands"
Michael Duarte built a substantial online presence, amassing over two million followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. His platform, @foodwithbearhands, was dedicated to sharing cooking videos, recipes, and his culinary creations.
His Instagram biography succinctly captured his mission: "My purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most." His journey into content creation began during the COVID-19 pandemic, after he left his restaurant job. Following a period in rehab for a mental health crisis, he rediscovered his passion by posting cooking videos on his days off from a new restaurant job.
In a bookmarked Instagram post detailing his story, Duarte shared that his first viral video featured his daughter, Oakley. "That's when I realized how happy creating content made me," he wrote. "Over time, I began to see it wasn't just a hobby — it could be a business, something bigger than myself."
Legacy of Family and Community
Duarte's talent agency, Alooma Media Group, confirmed his passing in a heartfelt Instagram tribute. They described him as a "true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person."
The agency's statement emphasized his devotion to his family and friends, noting his "warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction." They added that his legacy of "integrity, compassion, and dedication" will continue through the many lives he touched.
Michael Duarte is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley. The family has requested prayers as they navigate this profound loss.
