Accidental Death at 39: Here’s What You Need to Know

Michael Duarte was 39 years old.

He was a well-known food influencer, building a thriving brand, sharing recipes with millions, and raising his six-year-old daughter with his wife. By all outward appearances, life was moving forward. Then, during what should have been a routine trip to Texas, Michael died suddenly and unexpectedly.

There was no warning. No drawn-out illness. No chance to prepare.

Almost immediately, a GoFundMe page appeared to help cover funeral costs and the expense of bringing his body home. The family’s message was simple and devastating: “This heartbreak came without warning.”

That sentence should stop all of us in our tracks — because it’s true for every family.

Death doesn’t wait until your kids are grown.
It doesn’t wait until your finances are organized.
And it doesn’t care how healthy or young you are.

At Freedom Law Services, we see the aftermath of situations like this far too often. Families are grieving — and at the same time, scrambling to figure out money, paperwork, court processes, and decisions they never expected to make so soon.

This article isn’t about fear. It’s about reality — and how thoughtful planning can spare your family unnecessary hardship when the unthinkable happens.

The False Sense of Security That Catches Families Off Guard

Most people in their 30s, 40s, and even 50s believe they have time.

Time to plan later.
Time to build more wealth.
Time to “get to it someday.”

Michael Duarte was 39.

Nothing about his life suggested an imminent ending. And yet, his family was suddenly left navigating logistics, expenses, and legal questions while in shock.

This is the hard truth: the question isn’t if something will happen — it’s whether your family will be prepared when it does.

Ask yourself honestly:

• Would your loved ones know where your accounts are?

• Would they have access to money right away?

• Would they know what steps to take first — or would they be guessing?

Without a plan, families are left trying to solve complex problems while emotionally overwhelmed.

The Real Costs of Being Unprepared

When someone dies without a comprehensive plan, the costs go far beyond funeral expenses.

Transporting a body across state lines alone can cost thousands. Funeral and burial expenses routinely exceed $8,000. Meanwhile, everyday bills don’t stop — mortgages, utilities, insurance, childcare, and groceries still need to be paid.

Then comes probate.

Without proper planning, assets often become tied up in court for months — sometimes years. Families may be unable to access money they thought was available. Income streams can disappear overnight. And every delay compounds stress.

We regularly see families forced to make rushed decisions simply because they need liquidity — not because it’s what they actually want.

When Wealth Isn’t Liquid: A Growing Issue We’re Seeing Locally

This is especially true for families who own valuable but illiquid assets — such as land, farms, or inherited property.

Across Northern Kentucky and surrounding rural communities, we’re seeing more families who are land-rich but cash-poor when someone dies unexpectedly. On paper, there’s wealth. In reality, there’s no immediate access to it.

Without planning, heirs may be forced to sell land quickly, at the wrong time, or under unfavorable conditions — simply to cover expenses or satisfy probate requirements. Property that was meant to stay in the family can end up lost because no one planned for how it would be transferred, managed, or protected.

Good planning prevents families from having to choose between honoring a legacy and paying the bills.

Why Life Insurance Alone Is Not Enough

Many people assume life insurance solves everything. It doesn’t.

Insurance proceeds can take weeks — sometimes longer — to arrive. In the meantime, expenses are due immediately. And if policies are poorly structured, proceeds may be exposed to creditors, court oversight, or mismanagement.

If a policy names a minor as beneficiary, funds can be locked into court supervision. If it’s paid outright to an individual, it may be vulnerable to future lawsuits, divorce, or financial pressure.

Life insurance should be part of a plan — not the plan.

What Real Protection Actually Looks Like

Effective estate planning isn’t about paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It’s about making sure your family has clarity, access, and support when they need it most.

A true Life & Legacy Plan includes:

• A complete inventory of assets — including land, business interests, and digital accounts

• Clear instructions so loved ones know what exists and how to access it

• Immediate access to funds for urgent expenses

• Proper legal tools — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives — that actually work when needed

• Ongoing review so your plan stays aligned as your life and assets change

Just as important, it includes a trusted advisor your family can turn to — someone who already understands your wishes and can guide them through what comes next.

That’s why we structure our services as a long-term relationship, not a one-time transaction.

Planning Is a Gift to the People You Love

Michael Duarte’s story is heartbreaking — but it doesn’t have to be your family’s story.

Planning now means your loved ones won’t be left guessing later. It means fewer court delays, fewer financial surprises, and fewer decisions made under pressure.

Most of all, it means peace of mind — for you and for the people who matter most.

We Help You Protect What Matters Most

At Freedom Law Services, we don’t just draft documents. We help families make informed, empowered decisions about life, death, and legacy — and we stay available to guide loved ones when they need us most.

If you’re realizing your family would face real challenges if something happened to you tomorrow, now is the right time to act.

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Book a free 15-minute Discovery Call with Freedom Law Services today in our Crestview Hills, KY office. Together, we’ll create a Life & Legacy Plan that protects your time, your money, and — most importantly — your family.

Call us at (859) 344-6742 or visit www.FreedomLawServices.com/call-today to book your discovery call today.

This article is a service of Freedom Law Services. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed, empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. That’s why we offer a Family Wealth Planning Session™. During the session, you will get more financially organized than ever before and make all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by calling our office today to schedule a Family Wealth Planning Session and mention this article to find out how to get this valuable session at no charge.

This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you seek legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained independently, separate from this educational material.