Joel Yukich, the popular New Zealand cooking influencer behind the social media brand Blokes Can Cook Too, has died suddenly at the age of 35.
Yukich died on June 29 after suffering what friends described as a sudden medical event. His death was announced by his longtime friend, Keegan, who helped him launch the Blokes Can Cook Too Facebook page in 2017. The exact cause of death has not yet been officially confirmed.
Based in New Plymouth on New Zealand’s North Island, Yukich built a loyal following by sharing videos of hunting, fishing, diving and cooking. His recipes often featured wild game and fresh seafood that he harvested himself, earning him more than 116,000 followers on Facebook and thousands more on Instagram. His authentic approach and passion for the outdoors made him one of New Zealand’s most recognizable food content creators.
Friends described Yukich as someone who brought energy and laughter wherever he went. In a heartfelt tribute, Keegan said his friend was “the loudest and brightest light in every room” and credited the cooking page with helping Yukich build lifelong friendships 
through his love of food and the outdoors.
Yukich’s partner, Alanna Hussey, also paid an emotional tribute, describing him as an incredible father to their four sons and a devoted partner who always put his family first. She said he loved bringing people together through food, sharing his adventures and creating memories with those closest to him.
Following news of his passing, thousands of followers flooded his social media pages with messages of sympathy. Many thanked him for inspiring them to cook, hunt and spend more time outdoors with their families. Others remembered him for his generosity, down-to-earth personality and the sense of community he created through his content.
Joel Yukich leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond social media. Through his passion for cooking and the outdoors, he encouraged people to appreciate nature, share meals with loved ones and enjoy the simple moments in life.