Michael Duarte Remembered: GoFundMe Surpasses $58K After Influencer’s Passing
Michael Duarte, known widely as FoodWithBearHands, tragically passed away on November 8. His death was confirmed by Alooma Media Group, which described him as a cherished client and friend.
Life and Career of Michael Duarte
Duarte was a talented food and barbecue content creator based in San Diego, California. He was raised in Calipatria by a single mother, who he often referred to as both his mother and father.
After moving to San Diego at 18, he faced significant personal challenges, including the loss of his mother to breast cancer at the age of 21. Duarte candidly shared his struggles with mental health, including a crisis that led him to rehab during the COVID-19 pandemic. This experience transformed his outlook and prompted him to pursue his passion for cooking more seriously, leading to the creation of engaging culinary content.
Family and Personal Life
Michael was married to his wife, Jessica, for over nine years. They had a six-year-old daughter named Oakley. His family was always a priority, and he aimed to share his life experiences with his followers through social media.
Community Support for Michael Duarte’s Family
Following his untimely passing, a GoFundMe campaign was established to support Michael’s family. Launched by Nena Petricca from El Cajon, California, the campaign quickly gained traction. As of now, it has raised over $58,000 to assist Jessica and Oakley during this difficult time.
Fundraising Details
- Date of Death: November 8
- Fundraising Goal: $100,000
- Amount Raised: Over $58,000
- Number of Donations: More than 410
The GoFundMe page emphasizes the need for support for Michael’s loved ones, stating, “We want to ensure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of, just as Michael would have wanted.”
Tributes and Legacy
Michael garnered many admirers on social media due to his engaging personality and creative culinary content. Many tributes have emerged online, highlighting his impact and the fond memories shared by his community.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been publicly announced as the family navigates this challenging period. The support from the community during this time serves as a reminder of the bond he created with so many throughout his life.
