Influencer Michael Duarte Reportedly Fatally Shot by Police — Tragic Details

He built a life around food, family, and joy — but a sudden trip to Texas ended in tragedy, leaving loved ones searching for answers and a digital community in mourning.

Food influencer Michael Duarte, known online as "FoodwithBearHands," was reportedly shot and killed by police in Castroville, Texas, after authorities responded to reports of erratic behavior.

The Tragic Incident That Ended His Life

According to officials, Michael was holding a knife and acting erratically when deputies arrived following a 911 call. Paramedics were also at the scene.

Authorities stated that Michael advanced toward a deputy in a threatening manner. Despite multiple verbal commands to get on the ground, he allegedly charged at the deputy while shouting, "I'm going to kill you."

In response, the deputy fired two rounds from her service weapon, striking Michael. He was provided medical aid at the scene and transported to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was later pronounced dead.

The incident occurred on Saturday, November 8, 2025, just three days after Michael and his wife, Jessica, celebrated their ninth wedding anniversary.

Tributes Pour In from Friends and Food Industry Partners

Following his sudden passing, tributes poured in from those who had worked with Michael, as well as from those who simply admired him.

Alooma Media Group, which represented Michael, paid tribute to their client with a lengthy message on Instagram. They made sure to honor the work he did, but also showed others what he was like as a person.

Bear Mountain BBQ, one of his partners, called him a "dear friend and teammate." They added, "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."

With more than two million followers across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, Michael had become a household name in kitchens across America — drawing fans of all ages into his flavorful world of food, family, and resilience.

A Life Defined by Struggle, Sacrifice, and Second Chances

Just weeks before his death, Michael shared his personal journey on social media. On October 25, 2025, he opened up about his humble beginnings in the small town of Calipatria, California, where he was raised without a father.

Instead, it was his uncle, Arthur Barros, who stepped into that role. Barros was the owner of a modest Mexican restaurant in nearby Brawley called "Nana Dora's." Michael got his first job there at just 14 years old, working weekends and learning how to cook.

Cooking wasn't his passion back then — it was a necessity. His mother was battling breast cancer, and he wanted to help. "I was a total momma's boy," he admitted.

By the time he turned 18, his mother sent him to live with relatives in San Diego, a move he later realized was her quiet way of preparing him for life without her. She died three years later, when Michael was just 21.

At the time, he was working in restaurants, slowly rising through the ranks — from washing dishes to ultimately becoming one of the youngest General Managers at Ruth's Chris Steak House. He had previously worked as a Senior Manager at Dave & Buster's, where he met mentor Jeff Baugher.

"He taught me how to be a strong leader – how to talk to people with respect, earn their trust, and have hard conversations when needed," Michael shared.

But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Michael's world came crashing down. He left Dave & Buster's and began filming cooking videos just to pass the time. Then came a breaking point — a mental health crisis that sent him to rehab.

"I know that breakdown came from feeling like I had failed at life," he confessed. "The shutdown hit me hard and took a big toll on my confidence."

But Michael wasn't one to stay down for long. After rehab, he returned to Ruth's Chris, starting from scratch. He was washing dishes, cooking steaks, and hosting tables. He helped rebuild the restaurant, and in doing so, rebuilt himself.

He continued creating food content on the side, but everything changed when he filmed a video with his daughter, Oakley. It was a lightbulb moment. He realized it was creating food content that truly made him happy.

Establishing a GoFundMe Page for His Family

A GoFundMe page created in Michael's memory stated that he "passed away in a horrible incident" while traveling in Texas. The page also said, "The world may know him as 'FoodwithBearHands,' but to us, he was a loving husband, father, brother, and a great friend to many."

It requested prayers and support for Jessica and Michael's daughter, Oakley. As of now, the campaign has raised over $68,000 of its $100,000 goal to support the family.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but organizers have promised to share updates once plans are finalized.

In the end, it wasn't fame or food that defined Michael — it was love. Love for his family, for the kitchen that shaped him, and for the joy he found in rebuilding himself, one recipe at a time. Though his life ended far too soon, the impact he made will live on in every story he told, every meal he shared, and every heart he touched.