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Popular food influencer Ben Wood died on March 9, 2026, while attempting to rescue a drowning woman in Chile.
The tragedy occurred off the coast of Algarrobo, where Wood lived with his family.
Witnesses say Wood, his partner María José, and his father Norman all rushed into the Pacific Ocean to help a woman struggling in the strong current.
Sadly, the heavy waves swept all three family members out to sea.
The Chilean Navy later recovered the bodies of Wood, his partner, and his father. Reports indicate that the partner of the unidentified woman also entered the water to help and managed to survive the ordeal.
Ben Wood was 43 years old at the time of his death. He leaves behind a young daughter who shared a touching tribute to her parents on social media, honoring their passion and their final act of bravery.
Ben Wood originally moved from Connecticut to Chile over a decade ago and became a well-known figure in the local food community.
He co-founded the popular burger chain El Honesto Mike, which gained a large following for its craft beer and high-quality food.
Many in the industry referred to him as the gringo chileno due to his deep love for Chilean culture and cuisine.
Beyond his business ventures, Wood built a successful online presence as a vlogger and influencer.
He frequently shared videos of himself tasting local drinks and exploring different restaurants across the country.
However, his friends and colleagues remember him as a vibrant and generous person who always looked for ways to support others in the culinary world.
The news of the tragedy sparked a wave of tributes from fans and fellow influencers across South America and the United States.
Many people praised the family for their heroic efforts and expressed their deep sadness over the loss of three lives.
Local businesses in Chile also shared messages of support for the surviving members of the Wood family.
The culinary community plans to hold several memorial events to honor the impact Ben Wood had on the local food scene.
His daughter’s message emphasized that the family will remember March 9th as a day to celebrate the lives of her parents and grandfather.
They hope to keep the spirit of Ben Wood alive through the businesses and the community he helped build.
