Liputan6.com, Jakarta Sad news has swept across social media after Michael Duarte, a culinary influencer widely known as "FoodWithBearHands," passed away.
The California native passed away on November 8, 2025, in a tragic accident while traveling with his family in Texas.
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His sudden passing has left millions of his followers devastated.
Michael Duarte, 36, was known for his cooking content, recipes, and BBQ and grilling creations.
He had over 2 million combined followers across various social media platforms.
His death came just three days after he celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica.
His talent agency, Alooma Media Group, confirmed Duarte's passing in an Instagram post on November 9.
While specific details regarding the cause of the accident have not been released, his family and agency called the incident a "horrific accident."
The Tragic Death of Michael Duarte in Texas
Michael Duarte passed away on November 8, 2025, while traveling in Texas.
This tragic event occurred in a "horrific accident" while he was traveling with his family.
Further details about the incident that claimed his life at the age of 36 have not yet been officially released.
Duarte's sudden passing was a devastating blow to his family and fan community.
Just days earlier, he and his wife, Jessica, had celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary, adding to the sadness of this tragedy.
Many never imagined that this celebration would be their last time together.
Profile of Michael Duarte, the Generous 'FoodWithBearHands'
Michael Duarte built a reputation as a culinary influencer under the handle "FoodWithBearHands" or "FoodWithBareHands."
His authentic, often bare-handed food preparation content has captured the attention of millions.
His Instagram bio affirms his mission to "share food with those who need it most," reflecting his generous personality.
Duarte grew up in Calipatria, California, a small town near the US-Mexico border.
He began learning to cook at age 14 at his uncle's Mexican restaurant, honing his skills before working at various restaurants in San Diego.
His Openness About Mental Health
His career shifted to digital content creation during the COVID-19 pandemic, where he found a new outlet for his love of food.
Besides his online success, Michael Duarte is also known for his openness about mental health struggles.
He frequently talks about how his family and love of food helped him rebuild his life.
He is survived by his wife, Jessica, and a 6-year-old daughter, Oakley, who was his pillar of strength.