A popular food influencer with over 800,000 followers across social media platforms was shot and killed by police in Texas after allegedly charging at officers while wielding a knife and threatening to kill them.
Tragic End for Rising Social Media Star
Michael Duarte, widely known online as FoodwithBearHands, met his tragic end on Saturday, November 8, just three days after celebrating his wedding anniversary. The Medina County Sheriff's Office reported they responded to an emergency call about a male subject behaving erratically while armed with a knife.
According to official statements from law enforcement, when deputies arrived at the scene, Duarte allegedly threatened the officers and ignored multiple verbal commands to get on the ground. The situation escalated when Duarte charged toward a deputy while screaming "I'm going to kill you", prompting the officer to open fire.
Family and Friends Mourn Beloved Content Creator
The father-of-one was rushed to San Antonio Hospital where he was pronounced dead. His family confirmed the devastating news and paid emotional tributes to the man they described as a loving husband and devoted father.
His cousin, Sandra Acosta Amaya, shared heartfelt words on social media: "Michael carried such a beautiful light. He showed kindness to everyone he met. But what I admired most was the way he loved his wife Jessica Lee Duarte and daughter Oakley."
She highlighted his remarkable talent, noting that Foodwithbearhands became successful because his passion shone through in every dish he created. Duarte had started his Instagram journey in 2019, initially sharing cooking videos as a hobby that eventually evolved into a full-fledged brand.
Industry Pays Tribute to Creative Force
The culinary and social media communities expressed profound grief over the loss. Duarte's talent agency, Alooma Media Group, released a statement describing him as "a true & loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person."
Bear Mountain BBQ Pellets, where Duarte served as brand ambassador, posted an emotional tribute recognizing his significant contributions to their community. "He had a rare gift for capturing the true spirit of BBQ: the smoke, the stories, the laughter, and the love for good food that brings people together," the statement read.
The company emphasized that beyond his professional achievements, Duarte was a proud father who lit up when speaking about his daughter and a devoted husband whose family remained the center of his world.
Michael Duarte leaves behind his wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley. His sudden death has left the food influencer community and his extensive follower base in mourning, remembering the man whose passion for cooking touched hundreds of thousands worldwide.
