Food influencer Ben Wood dies aged 43 alongside his wife and father after attempting to rescue a woman from drowning

Food influencer Ben Wood has died aged 43 after attempting to rescue a young woman from drowning.

Wood, who was born in Connecticut but had been living in Chile for nearly 13 years, had been at a beach in Algarrobo on Monday evening.

Around 7pm, a 26-year-old woman was swept out into the ocean which sparked a series of attempted rescues, according to local outlets.

The woman’s partner, Wood, Wood’s wife María José Duarte Ureta, 47, and Wood’s father Norman Ray Wood, 77, rushed into the water in an attempt to save her but all four were also quickly swept out by large waves. 

Wood and his father, who was only visiting Chile, died in the water. Wood’s wife was pulled from the ocean alive but later died in hospital, per O Globo, citing the Chilean Forensic Medical Service. 

Tragically, only the woman’s partner survived after he was pulled from the water by the Chilean Navy with a naval helicopter. 

Wood’s daughter confirmed his death in a post to his Instagram Stories on March 11, remembering him for his ‘tremendous love for his work, his life, his passion.’

‘March 9th will be for you and to remember how you gave your lives for others, as you did so many times before,’ the tribute continued. ‘I love you to the moon and back.’

A high-wave warning had been in effect in the area over the weekend.

Police are investigating the incident. Authorities currently believe all four victims died from drowning.

Wood had built up a legion of followers on social media over his content about burgers and craft beer. 

In what would be his final post for his 37,400 Instagram followers, Wood reflected on his career: ‘I’ve been working in beer and gastronomy here in Chile since 2013, when we opened a unique craft beer store.

‘That shop sparked several other projects (like Alameda Beer Co and El Honesto Mike) that helped shape the scene here in Chile.

‘At the end of February, my beloved venture Beervana closed its doors.

‘I haven’t been part of the company for a few years, but the memories of my first venture here are incredibly powerful.

‘Even though I didn’t achieve everything I wanted with the brand, I’m now determined and focused on doing even more with Craftwork Chile – a phoenix rising from the ashes for me.’

It comes after the death of fellow influencer Carolina Reyes who died of cancer aged 23.

The content creator, who was known online as ‘Carol the Warrior,’ died in a clinic in her home city yesterday.

The influencer, who had 210,000 Instagram followers, was described as a ‘brilliant human being who never gave up in the face of any difficulty that came her way.’

In a statement on her Instagram page, family members asked for ‘respect and empathy’ at this difficult time.

Relatives also thanked Carolina’s fans for their support in the months since she was diagnosed with cancer.

‘Thank you for loving her, supporting her, showing her so much affection, and always welcoming her with open arms,’ her family said.