Food influencer Michael Duarte dies in 'horrible incident'

Food influencer Michael Duarte has died 'without warning' in a 'horrible incident', his talent agency has announced.

The California-based content creator, who went by Food With Bear Hands online, passed away on 8 November.

With over two million followers across social media platforms, he wrote in his Instagram bio that his 'purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most'.

He was best known for sharing recipe videos of his various BBQ dishes.

The cause of Michael's death remains unclear, as he was survived by his wife of nine years Jessica and his six-year-old daughter Oakley.

"It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte," Alooma Media Group, his talent agency, said in a statement on Instagram.

"Michael was so much more than a client to us at Alooma.

"He was a true and loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person.

Food influencer Michael Duarte has died in a 'horrible incident' (Instagram/@foodwithbearhands)

"His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him."

They added that 'beyond his professional accomplishments', he was a 'devoted husband' and a 'loving father', as well as 'a loyal friend to so many around the world'.

"His warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel valued and inspired," the agency wrote.

A GoFundMe has also been set up to help support Jessica and Oakley.

Michael was survived by his wife of nine years Jessica and his six-year-old daughter Oakley (GoFundMe)

"It is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that Michael Duarte passed away in a horrible incident on Saturday, November 8th during his travel in Texas," it read.

"Michael's death occurred just three short days after he and his wife celebrated their nine year wedding anniversary."

The fundraiser noted that 'this heartbreak came without warning' and left his wife to 'incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses'.

"During this time, and in the months/years ahead, we want to make sure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wanted them to be," it added.

"Your support would bring comfort, stability, and a reminder that they are not carrying this weight alone.

"The funeral plans for Michael are undecided at this time, but we will update you all at a later date."

At the time of writing, $63,000 has been raised of a target of $100,000. You can donate here.