Meals influencer Michael Duarte — finest recognized by the social media deal with @FoodWithBearHands — died on Saturday, November 8, in what was described as a “horrible incident.”
A GoFundMe web page set as much as cowl funeral bills and handle Duarte’s household stated the Instagram and TikTok influencer died in Texas simply three days after he celebrated his ninth marriage ceremony anniversary with spouse Jessica. The couple share a 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.
“The world could know him as ‘FoodwithBearHands,’ however to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and an incredible buddy to many,” the GoFundMe web page description reads.
“This heartbreak got here with out warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him again house to California and protecting funeral bills,” provides the outline. “Throughout this time, and within the months/years forward, we need to make it possible for Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have needed them to be. Your assist would carry consolation, stability, and a reminder that they don’t seem to be carrying this weight alone.”
“The funeral plans for Michael are undecided right now, however we’ll replace you all at a later date. The household deeply thanks you to your love and assist as they grieve by way of this tragic loss,” the outline concludes.
As of Wednesday, November 12, the GoFundMe web page has raised over $63,000, greater than half of its $100,000 goal.
Duarte’s widow, Jessica, shared a heartfelt tribute to her late husband by way of Instagram on Sunday, November 9.
“It’s been 24 hours since my world got here crashing down. I’m numb, offended, depressed. Phrases can’t describe this sort of ache. I by no means thought I’d be penning this,” she wrote. “To the world you have been foodwithbearhands however to us you have been a loving husband and father. You didn’t deserve this. I’ll love you perpetually and I will probably be sturdy for our daughter and I understand how a lot you really liked us. If everybody can cease and please pray for our household. To my husband I’ll miss you…till we meet once more 💔.”
Duarte’s expertise company, Alooma Media Group, additionally mourned the influencer’s dying in a assertion posted to Instagram on Sunday.
“It’s with profound disappointment that we share the passing of our valued shopper and expensive buddy, Michael Duarte,” the company stated.
The assertion continued, “Michael was a lot greater than a shopper to us at Alooma. He was a real & loyal associate, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a exceptional particular person. His ardour, professionalism, and creativity left an enduring mark not solely on our crew however on everybody who had the privilege of working with him.”
“Past his skilled accomplishments, Michael was a faithful husband to his spouse Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, brother and a loyal buddy to so many world wide,” the company went on. “His heat, kindness, and generosity have been felt in each interplay, and he had a method of creating everybody round him really feel valued and impressed.”
An investigation into the dying of influencer Valeria Márquez, who was fatally shot throughout a TikTok livestream, is ongoing. Information broke earlier this month that the 23-year-old influencer died inside a salon, with customers taking to her Instagram to share their condolences. “I had the chance to satisfy her in particular person, an individual with a […]
“Michael’s passing is an incredible loss to all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will proceed to reside on by way of the lives he touched,” the assertion stated. “From all of us at Alooma, our hearts exit to Jessica, their daughter, and everybody who’s mourning this loss. Michael will probably be deeply missed, however by no means forgotten.”
Duarte had over 800,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok, respectively. He achieved over 13 million “likes” on his TikTok account alone.
The influencer often posted meals content material, together with recipes for Cajun surf and turf ramen, smoked lamb, pulled pork and extra.
