Who Is Ben Wood? Food Influencer Dies While Rescuing Drowning Woman

Ben Wood, an American food influencer based in Chile, died on 9 March while attempting to rescue a drowning woman and her partner, reports indicated. He was 43. His death was confirmed by his daughter via Instagram stories on Wood's account.

The incident claimed not only Wood's life but also those of his wife, Maria Jose Duarte Ureta, 47, and his father, Norman Ray Wood, 77. The tragedy unfolded during a rescue attempt that highlighted the family's instinct to help others.

A Final Act of Courage in Algarrobo

Wood, his wife and father were walking along the beach in Algarrobo, a coastal city in Chile, when they saw a 26-year-old woman, identified as Patricia del Pilar Bello Labe, being swept away into the ocean by a large wave, according to PEOPLE. Her partner, Felipe Hernández Bustos, rushed in to save her but struggled against the surf.

The Wood family joined the rescue effort, but they were themselves overwhelmed by the waves. Bello Labe also died, while her partner, Hernández Bustos, survived after being rescued by Naval personnel by helicopter.

According to the Chilean Forensic Medical Service, Wood and his father died very quickly, while Duarte Ureta was pulled from the water alive but later died in hospital.

Daughter Confirms Loss on Instagram

Wood's daughter confirmed the death of her family in a post to her father's Instagram Stories on 11 March. She wrote: 'Hello everyone. This is Ben's daughter. Thank you so much for your loving and kind messages'.

She remembered her father as the best man and a role model: 'My dad was one of the best men I ever knew and my role model. He loved his family, especially me, my sister, and Valapepa, infinitely'. She added, 'We will all miss them both so much'.

In another story, she wrote: 'My parents had a great love for their work, their lives, and their passion. And now, look mom! Look dad! March 9th will be for you guys and for remembering how you guys gave your lives for others, like you did many times before. I hope to see your friends (my uncles and aunts) these days of hurt but also celebration. I love you guys from here to the sky'.

Who is Ben Wood?

Benjamín 'Ben' Wood was a respected Chilean-American food influencer and entrepreneur who had called Chile his home for over a decade. Originally from Connecticut, Wood became a beloved figure in the local gastronomy scene, celebrated for his passion for sharing Chile's culinary landscape with his audience. Known to his 37,000 Instagram followers for his engaging content, Wood frequently highlighted the best of local burger culture and craft beer.

Beyond his social media presence, he was a key figure in the Chilean beverage industry, having co-founded Craftwork Chile, a popular online mail-order beer marketplace, and Lost and Found Liquids, an independent brewing project. His ventures supported local artisans and highlighted regional delicacies.

Wood was widely recognised for his dedication to the community he had adopted as his own. He and his wife raised two daughters.