Food Influencer Michael Duarte, Known as 'FoodWithBearHands', Dies in 'Horrible Incident'

He built a brand on smoke, spice, and soul — but Michael Duarte's life came to a sudden and violent end in a quiet Texas town. The man behind the viral "FoodWithBearHands" persona is dead after a harrowing police encounter that escalated in seconds and left his devoted fans stunned and grieving.

The 41-year-old food influencer, a rising star in the barbecue world known for his emotional storytelling and mouth-watering content, was shot dead by a sheriff's deputy on November 8, 2025, in Castroville, Texas. Now, shocking new details are emerging that shed light on the final moments leading up to the tragedy.

'I'm Going to Kill You': Duarte's Final, Fatal Confrontation

According to the Medina County Sheriff's Office, deputies were called to the scene after a frantic 911 call about a "male subject with a knife acting erratically." By the time law enforcement arrived, paramedics were already on-site — but what unfolded next turned deadly.

Authorities claim that Duarte, in a fit of apparent rage, advanced toward a deputy while allegedly yelling, "I'm going to kill you." Despite repeated commands to get on the ground, officials say Duarte charged at the officer, forcing the deputy to fire two rounds.

Duarte was struck, treated at the scene, and rushed to University Hospital in San Antonio. But it was too late. He was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Just Days After the Anniversary Joy, a Family Is Shattered

In a heartbreaking twist, Duarte's death came just three days after he and his wife celebrated nine years of marriage. A GoFundMe campaign created in his honor described the loss as a "horrible incident" and painted a portrait of a man cherished by those closest to him.

"We ask that you lift Michael's family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time, especially for his 6 year old daughter Oakley, and his wife Jessica [sic]," the fundraiser read.

At the time of writing, the campaign has already raised over $80,000 of its $100,000 goal — a testament to the outpouring of love from fans and fellow creators.

Brands and Friends Pay Tribute to the Man Behind the Flame

The grief has rippled across the barbecue and influencer community. Bear Mountain BBQ Pellets, a company Duarte frequently collaborated with, shared an emotional post titled, "A Tribute to Michael Duarte — @foodwithbearhands."

"From the very beginning, Michael was part of the Bear Mountain BBQ story — not just behind the camera, but in the heart of our community," they wrote. 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 post further stated, "But beyond the work, Michael was so much more. A proud dad who lit up every time he spoke about his daughter. A devoted husband whose love for his family was the center of everything he did. A good man with a generous heart, whose warmth and kindness touched everyone he met."

"There's no replacing someone like Michael. His loss leaves a space that can never be filled, but his spirit, his energy, his passion and his creativity will always be part of us... Michael, you'll always have a seat at our table. Your fire will keep burning in all of us," concluded the poignant message.

His agency, Alooma Media Group, also posted a heartwarming message just two days after his death. "Michael was so much more than a client to us at Alooma. 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."

The tribute also highlighted the many roles Duarte played in his life, further mentioning, "Michael's passing is a tremendous loss to all who knew him. His legacy of integrity, compassion, and dedication will continue to live on through the lives he touched."

'Genuinely One of the Best Dudes': Tributes Pour In

Social media has been flooded with emotional tributes from fans, colleagues, and friends — each post adding another layer to the portrait of a man who clearly meant the world to many.

"Rest in peace Michael. Truly an amazing man, creator and friend. You'll be missed man..." wrote one devastated fan. Another person added, "This is devastating news. Mike was such a good dude. Supportive and a great creator. He will be missed. Sending my condolences to his entire family."

"Genuinely one of the best dudes I've met in a long time, and always there when needed. Going to miss him so much. Rest in peace brother," read another emotional post. "I'm actually so shook! I'll be cooking a brisket for my homie. This is so sad and I wish nothing but the best for the fam right now," echoed yet another heartfelt comment.

Michelle Young, a close friend, recalled their memories with raw emotion. "Mike Jones, you were like a brother to me... I remember when @foodwithbearhands was just a dream in your kitchen and look at it now. I wish we were able to make more memories... Until we meet again for tequila shots in Poundtown. Love you."

Fitness coach @rebelle_fitness also joined the flood of love. "Beyond shocked. I can't thank you enough for the memories... My last words to you were of pride for how far you had come."

A Journey Forged in Pain, Purpose, and Fire

Long before Duarte was the man behind a camera and a grill, he was just a kid in tiny Calipatria, California. In a soul-baring Instagram post two weeks before his death, Duarte opened up about his rough beginnings — and how he found his path in food.

"I didn't have a father figure," he wrote, crediting his uncle Arthur Barros, owner of Nana Dora's in Brawley, with introducing him to the kitchen at just 14. "That's where I got my first job."

But Duarte wasn't driven by ambition alone. His early years were shaped by his mother's fight with breast cancer. "She was my mom and my dad. Every Father's Day, I'd give her a card because she was the one who took me fishing, hunting, and taught me so many things about life," he expressed.

He later revealed how, at 18, his mother sent him to live with relatives in San Diego — a decision he would only understand years later. "Looking back now, I realize she did that because she knew she wasn't going to be around much longer." She died when he was 21.

From Ruth's Chris to Rehab – And Back Again

In San Diego, Duarte clawed his way through the restaurant world — holding jobs at chains like Dave & Buster's and Ruth's Chris Steak House, where he eventually became General Manager.

Then came the pandemic. Duarte left his job to focus on content creation — but the pressures of life mounted fast. "During that time, I hit a breaking point and had a mental health crisis that led me to rehab," he penned.

When he emerged, he threw himself back into restaurant work — but this time, something had shifted because alongside his professional endeavor, Duarte had begun rebuilding himself.

His first video after rehab was filmed with his daughter, and that moment changed everything. What began as therapy became transformation. "I began to see it wasn't just a hobby — it could be a business, something bigger than myself."

And it was. Duarte's brand, "FoodWithBearHands," grew from a deeply personal place into a public phenomenon that resonated with thousands.

Michael Duarte's sudden death has left a gaping hole in the lives of those who knew him — and those who felt they did. From the dusty streets of Calipatria to the smoke-filled backyards of food lovers everywhere, his legacy is one of resilience, flavor, and raw humanity.

He turned heartbreak into heat, trauma into tenderness, and a grill into a stage. Duarte's story is over, but the imprint he left behind will burn brightly for years to come.