Food influencer Michael Duarte has died in what has been described as a ‘horrible incident.’
The California-based social media star, who posted under the username @foodwithbearhands, passed away on November 8, days after celebrating his wedding anniversary.
While the cause of Duarte’s death has yet to be announced, it has been claimed he died ‘in a horrible incident without warning’ while traveling in Texas.
News of Duarte’s passing was announced in a tribute from his talent agency, Alooma Media Group.
In a statement, they said: ‘It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte.
‘He was a true and loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person. His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.’
A GoFundMe page has also been launched to cover funeral expenses, as well as bring Duarte back to California.
According to the page, the money raised will also go towards making sure the internet personality’s wife Jessica and their daughter, Oakley, are both taken care of.
Popular food influencer Michael Duarte – known as foodwithbearhands – has died
The social media star died on November 8 following a ‘horrible incident’
‘We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time, especially for his six-year-old daughter Oakley, and his wife Jessica,’ the website reads.
‘If you are able to financially assist, please consider donating.’
At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $61,367.
Duarte amassed a following of over 839,000 fans on Instagram with his cooking videos.
He started posting cooking clips on social media during the pandemic as a hobby and continued to do so while helping to rebuild a restaurant.
‘On my days off, I started posting food videos again – my first one was with my daughter,’ he said in a biography shared on Instagram.
‘That’s when I realized how happy creating content made me.
‘Over time, I began to see it wasn’t just a hobby – it could be a business, something bigger than myself.’
Duarte is survived by his daughter Oakley, six, and his wife Jessica (both pictured)
A GoFundMe page was launched to cover his funeral and to support his wife and daughter
Tributes have been flooding in following news of Duarte’s death.
Commenting on his pinned Instagram post, one said: ‘Love you man. I’m at a loss for words. Too young, too big a heart. We were supposed to do a video or something this week. Rest easy.’
Another wrote: ‘Mike, rest in peace my dear friend. Thank you for all of your kind words throughout our time knowing each other… from making family meals at Ruth’s to teaching me how to be a quarter of as good as you were with the video edits.
‘I will be praying for your wife and daughter more than ever!’
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Popular influencer Michael Duarte known as FoodWithBearHands dies in ‘horrible incident’