Benjamin Robert Wood, a beloved American food and craft beer influencer and entrepreneur, tragically passed away on March 9, 2026, at the age of 43, in Algarrobo, Chile. His death occurred during a heroic attempt to rescue a drowning woman, an act that also claimed the lives of his father, Norman Wood, and his partner, Maria Jose "Pepa" Duarte. The incident, which unfolded on the Chilean coast, saw Wood, his father, and his partner rush into the powerful surf to assist a woman swept away by a large wave, ultimately succumbing to the strong currents.

Born around 1983, Ben Wood grew up in Brookfield, Connecticut, a place he affectionately referred to as "the Connecticut hill country." He was an alumnus of Wooster School in Danbury, Connecticut, and furthered his education at the College of Wooster in Ohio. His early life in Connecticut laid the groundwork for a future marked by passion and community engagement.

In 2012, Wood made the significant decision to move to Chile, driven by his profound desire to remain close to his daughter following his divorce. This move marked the beginning of a new chapter where he would immerse himself in the local culture and establish himself as a prominent figure in the country's burgeoning craft beer and culinary scene. He quickly became fluent in Spanish, further integrating into his adopted home.

Over the past decade, Ben cultivated a substantial online presence, amassing over 37,000 followers on Instagram. Through his engaging videos, he shared his expertise and enthusiasm for cooking, gourmet burgers, and craft beer, earning him recognition as a respected food influencer. Beyond his digital footprint, Wood was a dynamic entrepreneur. He was a founding partner of El Honesto Mike, a popular burger bar in Santiago, and a partner in Beervana, a retail beer company. He also co-founded Alameda Beer Company in 2018, an importer that operated from a unique location on the fourth floor of a Santiago parking lot.

Wood's entrepreneurial spirit also led him to establish Craftwork Chile, an innovative mail-order beer marketplace offering subscription services, and he contributed to indie brewing projects such as Lost and Found Liquids. Just prior to his passing, he reflected on the closure of Beervana, expressing his determination to channel his energy into Craftwork Chile, viewing it as a "phoenix rising from the ashes." His dedication to his ventures and his community was evident in every endeavor.

Ben Wood's legacy is not only defined by his professional achievements and influence in the culinary world but, more profoundly, by his ultimate act of selflessness. His daughter, in a heartfelt tribute, remembered him and his wife for their "tremendous love for their work, their life, their passion," and noted that March 9th would be a day to remember how they "gave their lives for others, just as you did so many times before." His bravery and compassionate spirit will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and the countless followers he inspired.