Meals influencer Michael Duarte — greatest identified 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 deal with 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 might know him as ‘FoodwithBearHands,' however to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and an ideal good friend 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 masking funeral bills,” provides the outline. “Throughout this time, and within the months/years forward, we need to ensure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wished them to be. Your assist would deliver consolation, stability, and a reminder that they aren't carrying this weight alone.”
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“The funeral plans for Michael are undecided at the moment, however we'll replace you all at a later date. The household deeply thanks you in your love and assist as they grieve by means 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 through 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 without end and I can be sturdy for our daughter and I understand how a lot you 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 demise in a statement posted to Instagram on Sunday.
“It's with profound disappointment that we share the passing of our valued shopper and pricey good friend, 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 a long-lasting mark not solely on our workforce 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 good friend to so many all over the world,” the company went on. “His heat, kindness, and generosity have been felt in each interplay, and he had a method of constructing everybody round him really feel valued and impressed.”
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“Michael's passing is an incredible loss to all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will proceed to stay on by means 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 can 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.
