Food influencer Michael Duarte was involved in a fatal accident on November 8, 2025, and passed away while traveling with his family in Texas. His agency and relatives confirmed the heartbreaking news, leaving millions of followers in shock across social media platforms.
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Latest Verified Updates
- Michael Duarte died in what has been described as a “horrible accident” while traveling with his wife and daughter in Texas.
- He passed away on Saturday, November 8, 2025.
- Duarte was widely known by his online name “FoodWithBearHands,” a social-media personality celebrated for his barbecue and family-cooking videos, followed by more than 2 million fans worldwide.
- At the time of his death, he was with his wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley.
- A GoFundMe campaign has been created to assist with funeral arrangements and to help his family bring his remains home to California.
- The exact cause of the accident has not yet been publicly released by authorities or the family.
Who Michael Duarte Was
Michael Duarte was a self-made culinary content creator from Calipatria, California, near the U.S.–Mexico border. He discovered his passion for cooking as a teenager, working in his uncle’s Mexican restaurant at just 14 years old.
Over the years, Duarte worked in several restaurants across Southern California before shifting to full-time social-media content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic. His “FoodWithBearHands” account gained traction for showcasing barbecue techniques, creative recipes, and heartwarming moments spent cooking with family.
What set Duarte apart was his genuine love for connecting with people through food. His tagline—“sharing food with those who need it the most”—reflected his compassion and community-driven purpose.
He and his wife Jessica had been married for nine years, raising their daughter Oakley together. Family, food, and togetherness were central themes in nearly all his posts.
Timeline of Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov 8, 2025 | Michael Duarte died in a travel-related accident in Texas. |
| Nov 9, 2025 | His agency confirmed the news and paid tribute to his legacy. |
| Following days | GoFundMe page launched to raise funds for repatriation and funeral costs. |
Known Facts & Unanswered Questions
Known Facts:
- Michael Duarte was traveling with his family when the accident occurred.
- His family called it a “horrible accident,” suggesting the event was sudden and unforeseen.
- He had recently celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with Jessica.
- He had a large, loyal following across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, where his videos regularly reached millions of views.
- Duarte was an ambassador for multiple kitchen and food brands that admired his authentic, down-to-earth style.
Unanswered Questions:
- Details about the exact location, vehicle, or cause of the accident remain unreleased.
- Funeral dates and memorial plans have not been made public yet.
- It is unclear whether his wife or daughter sustained any injuries in the incident.
Community Response & Impact
The news of Michael Duarte’s death spread quickly through social media, prompting an outpouring of grief from fans, creators, and food enthusiasts. Many described him as kind-hearted, humble, and always eager to help fellow cooks grow their platforms.
His followers flooded comment sections with heartfelt tributes, sharing how his recipes brought families together and how his energy inspired them to cook more at home. Duarte’s agency remembered him as “a loyal partner and an extraordinary creator whose passion for food touched millions.”
The GoFundMe campaign organized by family friends has gained strong support from the online community, reflecting how deeply Duarte’s presence resonated with viewers worldwide. The donations will help Jessica and Oakley with travel, repatriation, and funeral expenses.
His Legacy in the Food Community
Michael Duarte’s “FoodWithBearHands” brand wasn’t just about recipes—it was about connection. His videos mixed humor, love, and authenticity, reminding viewers that food is a language of care.
He frequently cooked outdoors, emphasizing family time, simplicity, and cultural flavors rooted in his Mexican-American heritage. Many fans recall his signature smile and his habit of sharing meals with neighbors or community members.
Even after his passing, his videos continue to circulate online, where fans express gratitude for how his work brought joy and unity to homes around the world. His legacy serves as a reminder that the power of food goes beyond taste—it builds community, compassion, and togetherness.
What Comes Next for His Followers
- Supporters can follow the updates shared by Michael Duarte’s family regarding memorial services and tributes.
- The GoFundMe page remains open for those wishing to help the Duarte family during this challenging period.
- Many of his fans have begun organizing online cooking challenges and tribute videos to honor his memory, cooking their favorite “FoodWithBearHands” dishes.
Michael Duarte’s sudden passing marks a profound loss for the online food world, but his message of love and generosity will continue to inspire.
Michael Duarte’s influence transcended digital screens—he united people through the universal comfort of food. His family, friends, and millions of fans will remember his warmth, creativity, and heart for years to come.
Stay tuned for further verified updates, and feel free to share your thoughts or tributes below to honor his memory.