Foodies are in mourning following the death of Michael Duarte — best known by the social media handle @FoodWithBearHands.
According to a GoFundMe page, Duarte died in a “horrible incident” on November 8, 2025. His cause of death was not immediately available.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” Alooma Media Group, his talent agency, wrote via Instagram one day after his death. “He was a true & 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.”
According to the GoFundMe established to support his family, Michael is survived by his wife, Jessica Duarte, and their 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.
“Michael’s passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him,” Alooma Media Group continued. “His legacy of integrity, compassion and dedication will continue to live on through the lives he touched.”
Keep reading to learn more about Michael, who had more than 800,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively.
Who Is Michael Duarte’s Wife?
Michael and Jessica were married for nine years and welcomed a daughter in October 2019. In September, the couple celebrated their child starting kindergarten.
“It’s been 24 hours since my world came crashing down. I’m numb, angry, depressed. Words can’t describe this kind of pain,” Jessica wrote via Instagram days after her husband’s death. “I never thought I would be writing this. To the world, you were foodwithbearhands, but to us, you were a loving husband and father. You didn’t deserve this. I will love you forever and I will be strong for our daughter and I know how much you loved us. If everyone can stop and please pray for our family. To my husband I will miss you…until we meet again 💔.”
What Did Michael Duarte Post About?
According to Michael’s Instagram profile, his purpose was “to share to the world food to people who need it the most.” His followers would be treated to recipes and delicious videos of his BBQ and grilling creations.
In the weeks before his death, Michael shared recipes for “over the top” chicken chili, Cajun surf & turf ramen, smoked lamb and lobster puffs.
In an October 2025 Instagram post, Michael recalled memories of when he first started posting content online.
“On my days off, I started posting food videos — my first one was with my daughter,” he said. “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.”
What Did Michael Duarte Do at Dave & Buster’s?
Before becoming a food influencer, Michael served as a senior manager at Dave & Buster’s, a business that includes a full-service restaurant, full bar and video arcade at each location.
“I had great mentors like [Dave & Buster’s manager] Jeff Baughter,” Michael recalled in an Instagram post. “He taught me how to be a strong leader — how to talk to people with respect, earn their trust and have hard conversations when needed.”
During COVID, Michael left Dave & Buster’s and started posting cooking videos on social media as a hobby. It later turned into a full career.
How Did Michael Duarte Grow Up?
When sharing a glimpse into his life story online, Michael revealed that he grew up in a small California town called Calipatria.
“I didn’t have a father figure, but my uncle, Arthur Barros, became a mentor to me,” he shared via Instagram. “He owned a small Mexican restaurant in Brawley, CA, called Nana’s Dora’s and that’s where I got my first job when I was 14. I worked every weekend and that’s where I first learned how to cook.”
Through work and school, Michael admitted his “real focus” was his mom, who was diagnosed with breast cancer.
“When I turned 18 and graduated from high school, she packed my bags and sent me to live with family in San Diego,” he said. “ Looking back now, I realize she did that because she knew she wasn’t going to be around much longer. She wanted me to be strong — to learn how to stand on my own two feet. When I was 21, my mom passed away.”
What Was Michael Duarte Working on Next?
Before his death, Michael was preparing to launch new products to help cooks of all levels in their own kitchens. One item in particular was the Food With Bear Hands Cleaver.
“The support of this amazing community, friends and family, has been incredible. Michael’s legacy will live on forever through this knife and everyone who supported it 💙,” Michael’s team wrote via Instagram on November 11, 2025. “This clip was from when we first sent the original cleaver samples to his home. He was so excited for this project and poured his heart and soul into everything he did. We know he would be so proud to see the love and support his community has shown 🕊️.”
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