Michael Duarte, a beloved food influencer with over 2 million followers, was fatally shot by a Texas sheriff’s deputy on November 8 after he allegedly threatened to kill people while armed with a knife and acting erratically in Castroville. The incident, which occurred during a mental health disturbance, has sparked investigations and widespread mourning among his online community.
The tragedy began when Medina County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a 911 call around 11:30 a.m. on November 8 regarding a “male subject with a knife acting erratically” in the 1500 block of Houston Street in Castroville. Upon arrival, officers found Duarte exhibiting unpredictable behavior and making repeated threats to “kill everyone,” according to official statements from the sheriff’s office. He was also attempting to assault fire and EMS personnel who had arrived at the scene, escalating the situation rapidly. The initial call was described as a mental health disturbance at a rental property, highlighting the volatile nature of the encounter.
Deputies repeatedly ordered Duarte to drop the knife and get on the ground, but he refused to comply with their commands. Instead, he charged towards a deputy while yelling, “I’m going to kill you,” with the weapon still in hand. In response, the deputy discharged two rounds from her duty weapon, striking Duarte and ending the confrontation. The shooting unfolded in a matter of moments, leaving little time for de-escalation as Duarte advanced aggressively.
Emergency medical personnel immediately began rendering aid to Duarte at the scene, but his injuries were severe. He was transported to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The Texas Rangers have been called in to assist with the investigation into the deputy-involved shooting, a standard procedure for such incidents to ensure transparency and accountability. Authorities are reviewing the events leading up to the use of lethal force.
Duarte, 39, was in Medina County to participate in the Texas Open Fire Meat Up, a barbecue festival scheduled for that day in Hondo. He had built a massive online presence under his “FoodWithBearHands” handle, amassing more than 2 million followers across platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube with his creative barbecue recipes and humorous cooking videos. His content often featured his family and focused on bringing joy through food, making his sudden death all the more shocking to his audience.
In the past, Duarte had been open about his mental health struggles, including a breakdown during the COVID-19 pandemic that led him to seek psychiatric treatment. He shared on social media how the pandemic shutdown severely impacted his confidence and well-being, noting that creating content helped him recover and find purpose. His talent management agency, Alooma Media Group, described him as a “remarkable person” known for his warmth and generosity, emphasizing the loss felt by those who knew him personally.
The incident has left his family, including his wife Jessica and their 6-year-old daughter Oakley, devastated. Jessica expressed her grief on Instagram, writing about the numbness and pain of losing her husband just days after their ninth wedding anniversary. She vowed to be strong for their daughter, reflecting on Duarte’s role as a loving father and husband beyond his public persona. Followers and friends have flooded social media with condolences, sharing memories of his positive impact.
As the investigation continues, this case highlights broader issues surrounding mental health crises and police responses. Duarte’s death raises questions about how law enforcement handles individuals in distress and the need for improved de-escalation tactics and mental health resources. It may prompt discussions on balancing public safety with compassionate intervention in similar situations moving forward.
