According to reports, Duarte died on November 8 while traveling in Texas. He was 36. Duarte built a national following for joyful, hands-on grilling and BBQ videos, but his roots were local. He previously worked as a Senior Manager at Dave & Buster’s in Mission Valley and as a General Manager at Ruth’s Chris Steak House before turning full-time to content creation during the pandemic.
Duarte amassed more than two million followers across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, sharing approachable recipes and big-hearted cookouts often filmed with family. His bio captured the mission that endeared him to fans: “my purpose is to share food to people who need it the most.” His talent agency, Alooma Media Group, called him a devoted husband and father whose warmth and professionalism “left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”
According to a GoFundMe fundraiser organized by family friends, Duarte died in a “horrible incident” during a trip to Texas just three days after celebrating his ninth wedding anniversary. The campaign notes that he is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their 6-year-old daughter, Oakley, and that funds will help bring Michael home to California and cover funeral expenses. As of publication, donations have surpassed $60,000 with hundreds of individual contributions from fans and fellow creators.
Duarte grew up in Calipatria in Imperial County near the U.S.–Mexico border and learned to cook as a teenager in his uncle’s restaurant. He began posting food videos during the pandemic and later spoke openly about mental-health struggles and recovery, crediting cooking and creating content with giving him renewed purpose. A recent clip from his team celebrated the rapid sellout of the “Food With Bear Hands” cleaver, a project he had been excited to share with supporters.
New details have since emerged from law enforcement regarding the circumstances surrounding Duarte’s death. According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a 911 call in Castroville, Texas, describing a disturbance involving a “male subject with a knife acting erratically.” Authorities say a responding deputy discharged her weapon twice, striking Duarte, who was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital. The investigation remains ongoing, and the sheriff’s office has not released body camera footage or further comment.
The news has shaken Duarte’s fans and collaborators, many of whom were unaware of any distress leading up to his death. Those close to him have urged compassion and restraint as the facts continue to unfold, emphasizing that Duarte had long been open about his mental health struggles and recovery journey. Friends describe him as gentle, deeply empathetic, and devoted to using his platform to uplift others - qualities that made the tragedy all the more difficult to comprehend.
Those who worked with Duarte in San Diego remember a steady presence with a generous streak, the kind of colleague who’d pitch in on a busy line and still make time to share a tip or a plate. Online, tributes have poured in from followers who discovered grilling through his videos and from families who cooked along at home.
Friends and readers who wish to help can donate to the family’s fundraiser, “In Loving Memory of Michael Duarte (aka ‘FoodwithBearHands’),” on GoFundMe. The campaign is organized by Nena Petricca of El Cajon and provides updates on arrangements and needs in the days ahead.
Originally published November 11, 2025. Updated on November 12, 2025.
Friends and readers who wish to help can donate to the family’s fundraiser, “In Loving Memory of Michael Duarte (aka ‘FoodwithBearHands’),” on GoFundMe. The campaign is organized by Nena Petricca of El Cajon and provides updates on arrangements and needs in the days ahead.
Originally published November 11, 2025. Updated on November 12, 2025.
