Food influencer Michael Duarte died on Nov. 8 after he was shot by police during a disturbance call.
Prior to his death, the California-based content creator made a name for himself with over 2 million followers across social media platforms. Posting under the username “FoodWithBearHands,” he shared recipes and cooking videos showcasing his barbecue and grilling skills. His Instagram bio stated, “my purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most.”
Duarte was shot by police and later pronounced dead at the hospital, as a spokesperson for the Medina County Sheriff’s Office told TMZ.
Deputies responded to a 911 call in Castroville, Texas, for a disturbance involving a “male subject with a knife acting erratically,” and a deputy discharged two rounds from her duty weapon, striking Duarte, the outlet reported.
PEOPLE has reached out to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office for comment.
Following his death, a GoFundMe page was organized to financially support his wife and 6-year-old daughter.
Read on to learn more about the late cooking influencer.
Michael Duarte/Instagram
Michael Duarte.
Who is Michael Duarte?
Duarte made his name sharing food content online. He previously shared that he learned to cook at the age of 14 while working at a small Mexican restaurant owned by his uncle, whom he once called a “mentor” in an Instagram post.
He went on to work at various Southern California restaurants as a young adult. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he left his regular work and started posting cooking videos. Around that time, he wrote on Instagram, he had a “mental health crisis.”
After spending time in rehab, he began working at a restaurant and resumed sharing on social media. He once recalled realizing “how happy creating content made” him. He explained, “Over time, I began to see it wasn’t just a hobby — it could be a business, something bigger than myself.”
How did Michael Duarte die?
The GoFundMe set up for his family stated that Duarte died in a “horrible incident” while traveling in Texas.
Per TMZ’s report, deputies responded to a 911 call in Castroville, Texas, for a disturbance involving a “male subject with a knife acting erratically.” A deputy discharged two rounds from her duty weapon, striking Duarte, the outlet reported. Duarte was declared dead in the hospital.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office has yet to respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The news of his death was first shared on Nov. 9 by Alooma Media Group, his talent agency, in a post on Instagram.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” the agency wrote. “He was a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person. His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.”
Michael Duarte/Instagram
Michael Duarte.
Who is Michael Duarte’s wife?
According to the GoFundMe page, Duarte and his wife, Jessica, had celebrated their nine-year wedding anniversary three days before his tragic death. They share a 6-year-old daughter, Oakley.
“This heartbreak came without warning, leaving Jessica to incur the expense of bringing him back home to California and covering funeral expenses,” the fundraiser description reads. “During this time, and in the months/years ahead, we want to make sure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wanted them to be. Your support would bring comfort, stability, and a reminder that they are not carrying this weight alone.”
As of Thursday, Nov. 13, the page has raised over 80 percent of its $100,000 goal.
In Aloom Media Group’s tribute to the internet star, he was described as a “devoted husband,” a “loving father” and a “loyal friend to so many around the world.”
What has Michael Duarte’s family said since his death?
Duarte’s loved ones have yet to speak out about his death; however, the GoFundMe was reshared on his Instagram page. The account has also reposted several tributes in the days since he died.
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