Tragic Loss: Food Influencer ‘FoodWithBearHands’ Dies at 30 in Family Accident

A Heartbreaking Moment for the Food Community

In a shocking and emotional turn of events, popular food influencer Michael Duarte, best known online as “FoodWithBearHands,” has passed away at the age of 30 following a devastating family accident in Texas.

The news was first confirmed by multiple entertainment outlets and quickly spread across social media, accompanied by heartfelt tributes and emotional reactions from fans and fellow creators.

According to Duarte’s talent agency and a fundraising campaign launched by close friends, the tragic incident occurred on November 8, 2025, during a family trip with his wife Jessica and six-year-old daughter Oakley. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, further details have not been released, but messages of support continue to pour in from around the world.

Influencer FoodWithBearHands has died aged 30 pic.twitter.com/9hjY6t0mke

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) November 11, 2025

From a Small Town Dreamer to a Global Food Star

Born in Calipatria, California, near the U.S.–Mexico border, Duarte’s culinary passion began young — helping in his uncle’s modest Mexican restaurant at just 14. Years later, after struggling with the intense pressure of restaurant life and facing mental health battles, he found redemption in cooking outdoors.

“Creating content made me happy again. It wasn’t just food — it was healing.”

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he began posting videos under the name FoodWithBearHands on TikTok, showing his bare-handed BBQ techniques and unfiltered cooking style. His genuine energy — plaid shirts, smoky beard, and infectious smile — resonated with millions.

By 2025, Duarte had built a massive fanbase across TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, earning over two million followers. His videos weren’t just about food; they were about resilience, recovery, and community.

He also donated meals to the homeless and often featured his daughter Oakley, lovingly calling her his “little sidekick.”

Fans and Creators Mourn an Irreplaceable Voice

Since the news broke, Duarte’s social media pages have turned into digital memorials. The announcement of his passing has been viewed hundreds of thousands of times, with fans expressing sorrow and disbelief.

“He made us feel like family.”
“His food fed more than stomachs — it fed souls.”

His openness about mental health and addiction recovery inspired countless fans. Many credited him for helping them find courage to pursue their passions or seek professional help.

His agency’s tribute summed up his impact beautifully:

“Michael’s passion and compassion touched lives far beyond the grill. His legacy will continue to inspire through every story, meal, and memory he left behind.”

Remembering His Legacy

As Jessica and Oakley face unimaginable grief, fans around the world are rallying in emotional support.

His followers continue to post his favorite BBQ recipes and heartfelt messages using the hashtag #FoodWithBearHandsForever — a symbol of the community he built from scratch.

For millions, Duarte was more than a food influencer; he was a story of rebirth — a man who turned his pain into purpose and showed that simple moments around a grill could heal the human spirit.

FAQs

1. Who was FoodWithBearHands?
Michael Duarte, an American BBQ influencer known for his rustic cooking style and genuine personality, who gained millions of followers across social platforms.

2. How did FoodWithBearHands die?
He tragically passed away in a family accident in Texas on November 8, 2025, while traveling with his wife and daughter.

3. What was his legacy?
Beyond viral BBQ videos, Duarte was loved for his authenticity, charity work, and mental health advocacy.

4. How are fans remembering him?
Fans are sharing memories, videos, and tributes using the hashtag #FoodWithBearHandsForever, celebrating his life and message of hope.

A Neutral, Thought-Provoking Opinion

The tragic death of FoodWithBearHands reminds us of something profoundly human — that behind every viral video and smiling face is a fragile life navigating unseen struggles. Duarte’s journey mirrors the paradox of our times: in a world obsessed with perfection, he became famous for being imperfectly real.

He showed that food can be more than flavor — it can be therapy, storytelling, and connection. His loss exposes both the beauty and the brevity of online fame, where millions can know you, yet no one can save you from fate.

Perhaps what we should take away from his story is not just sorrow, but gratitude — gratitude for those who make us feel warmth through a screen, and a reminder to cherish every shared meal, every small joy, and every imperfect human moment.