Michael Duarte FoodWithBearHands Death Cause & Net Worth Update

Michael Duarte, popularly known as FoodWithBearHands, tragically passed away on November 8, 2025, in a sudden accident while traveling with his family in Texas. The exact cause of his death has not been publicly disclosed, but it has been described by his family and close sources as a “horrible incident” that shocked his fans worldwide.

Who Was Michael Duarte FoodWithBearHands?

Michael Duarte was a beloved food content creator based in California. Known for his engaging cooking videos, especially his BBQ and grilling recipes, he gained over 2 million followers across Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook. He was admired for his hands-on cooking style, warm personality, and dedication to sharing food with those in need. His online mission was to connect people through simple, approachable cooking, often involving family moments and charitable food donations.

Details About Michael Duarte’s Death Cause

Michael Duarte died unexpectedly during a family trip to Texas. Though details are limited, the family confirmed the incident was sudden and tragic. No official police or medical reports have been publicized. Following the news, a GoFundMe page was created by his relatives to help bring his body back to California and cover funeral expenses. The page and multiple news outlets emphasize the shocking nature of the accident without revealing specifics, respecting the family’s privacy.

Why This Tag Give to Him "FoodWithBearHand"

The nickname "FoodWithBearHands" given to Michael Duarte comes from his authentic and hands-on cooking style, where he often cooked rustic barbecue dishes using just his bare hands. This nickname reflects his genuine approach to food preparation without unnecessary tools, emphasizing simplicity and skill. Additionally, the "Bear" part of the name connects to his personal brand, highlighted by one of his final collaborations—a limited-edition cleaver featuring a bear embossed on the blade, symbolizing strength and his unique identity in the food influencer community. This name became synonymous with his cooking videos, where his passion, craftsmanship, and resilience were clearly seen, making "FoodWithBearHands" a memorable and meaningful tag for his fans and followers.

Place Where Michael Duarte’s Vist For Food

Michael Duarte, known as FoodWithBearHands, first learned cooking at his uncle's Mexican restaurant in Calipatria, California. This early experience sparked his passion for food and barbecue. Later, he moved to San Diego, where he worked in several restaurants and built his culinary skills. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he transitioned to sharing his cooking and grilling videos online, gaining millions of followers.

His food journey and visits typically centered around Mexican cuisine due to his roots and various restaurants he worked at in the San Diego area. His love for BBQ and grilling was a staple in his videos, often inspired by the flavors and techniques he learned at his uncle's place and other local eateries.

Thus, the primary place Michael Duarte visited and credited for his food inspiration was his uncle’s Mexican restaurant in Calipatria, California, along with multiple restaurants in San Diego, where he refined his skills before becoming a social media star.

Michael Duarte’s Net Worth and Legacy

While the exact net worth of Michael Duarte is not publicly disclosed, his successful career as a food influencer with millions of followers and brand collaborations suggests a significant online earnings stream. In addition to content creation, he impacted many by encouraging community support, food sharing, and raising awareness about mental health and resilience through his videos.

His legacy lives on through his extensive library of cooking videos and the strong community of fans who continue to honor his memory by sharing his recipes and supporting his family during this difficult time.

🚨 so TMZ is reporting that Michael J. Duarte has passed away in a horrible accident, then the guy who is reported dead tweeted with an emoji. In cinema this is called a plot twist. pic.twitter.com/wb0XHlRAHc

— 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓫𝓲𝓼𝓬𝓾𝓲𝓽 𝓫𝓸𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓻𝓸𝓸𝓶🦕🦖 (@John_Kennedy_A) November 12, 2025

How Is Michael Duarte’s Family Coping?

Michael leaves behind his wife Jessica and their six-year-old daughter Oakley. His family has expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support from fans worldwide. The GoFundMe campaign aims to assist with repatriation and funeral costs, highlighting the financial challenges the family faces after this sudden loss.