Michael Duarte, the popular food influencer known online as “FoodWithBearHands,” was shot and killed by a sheriff’s deputy in Castroville, Texas, after allegedly threatening officers with a knife and refusing to comply with commands. The 36-year-old California native, who had gained a loyal following for his barbecue and grilling videos, was reportedly in the midst of a mental health crisis when the tragic confrontation occurred on November 8. His death has shocked his fans, devastated his family, and reignited debate over the intersection of mental health, police responses, and social media fame in modern America.
A Deadly Encounter in Castroville
According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were dispatched to a residential neighborhood in Castroville after receiving reports of a man “acting erratically” with a knife. The caller indicated that the man appeared to be in distress and was posing a threat to himself and others. When the first responding deputy arrived at the scene, she encountered Michael Duarte holding a knife and exhibiting aggressive behavior. Officials say she issued multiple clear verbal commands, ordering him to drop the weapon and lie on the ground.
Instead of complying, Michael Duarte allegedly advanced toward the deputy, shouting that he was going to kill her. Faced with what authorities described as a direct and imminent threat, the deputy discharged her firearm twice. Duarte was struck and immediately given medical assistance by both the deputy and emergency responders at the scene. He was then transported to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was later pronounced dead.
The Medina County Sheriff’s Office stated that Duarte’s behavior before the shooting had alarmed not only neighbors but also the Fire and EMS personnel who had responded to the scene. “Duarte was exhibiting erratic behavior and making threats to kill everyone,” the department said in an official statement.
“He was attempting to assault Fire and EMS personnel who had responded to the scene as the deputy pulled up.” The office added that the deputy involved has been placed on standard administrative leave pending an investigation by the Texas Rangers, who routinely handle officer-involved shooting cases.
🚨 Michael Duarte, known online as @FoodWithBearHands, has died at 32 after being shot by Texas deputies during a disturbance call on Nov 8.
— GlobeUpdate (@Globupdate) November 13, 2025
The California-based BBQ creator, with 2M+ followers, was allegedly armed and charged at officers, police said#MichaelDuarte #California pic.twitter.com/SJi1OPIjCH
Witnesses described a tense and chaotic scene in the moments before the shots were fired. One resident told local reporters that Duarte appeared “disoriented and shouting,” while others said he seemed to be in a state of emotional distress. Authorities have not yet released body camera footage, though the sheriff’s office confirmed that the deputy was equipped with one at the time of the incident.
A Life Built Around Food and Family
Before his death, Michael Duarte had built a successful digital persona centered around his passion for cooking. Under the name “FoodWithBearHands,” he amassed hundreds of thousands of followers across social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. His videos, often set in his backyard or at outdoor grilling events, showcased elaborate barbecue techniques, meat-smoking tips, and down-to-earth humor that resonated with audiences across the United States.
Duarte’s appeal lay in his authenticity. He was known for cooking without utensils—literally handling ingredients with his bare hands, a gimmick that became his signature and inspired his nickname. Viewers admired his rugged approach to cooking, his easygoing charm, and his genuine love for food culture. In interviews and posts, Duarte often emphasized how cooking brought people together and helped him express creativity and connection.
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He was also open about his personal life, frequently sharing moments with his wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley. His videos occasionally featured his family, offering fans a glimpse into his life beyond the grill. According to friends and colleagues, Duarte’s personality off-camera matched his online image: warm, hardworking, and devoted to his loved ones.
Alooma Media Group, the talent agency representing Duarte, confirmed his death in an emotional statement released on social media. “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte,” the agency wrote. “Michael was so much more than a client to us at Alooma. He was a true and 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.”
Friends described Duarte as a “devoted husband and father” who took immense pride in his family and his craft. “He had this energy that made everyone feel included,” one fellow content creator shared. “Even when he was filming, he made it look like you were just hanging out with a friend. That was his magic.”
In the wake of his death, tributes have poured in from fans and fellow influencers alike. Many have shared clips from Duarte’s most memorable videos—his laughter while cooking, his inventive recipes, and his joy in teaching others. Others have used the tragedy to highlight the importance of mental health awareness, especially among creators who face pressure to maintain constant engagement with online audiences.
Mental Health, Police Force, and Public Reflection
Reports have indicated that Duarte was suffering from a mental health crisis at the time of the incident. While the Medina County Sheriff’s Office has not provided specific details about his state of mind or what may have triggered his behavior, family members have reportedly told investigators that he had been struggling emotionally in recent weeks. This aspect of the case has led to renewed scrutiny of how law enforcement officers are trained to handle situations involving individuals in crisis.
Texas, like many other states, has faced ongoing challenges in balancing mental health response systems with traditional policing. Although some counties have introduced crisis intervention teams that pair law enforcement officers with mental health professionals, such programs are not uniformly available in all jurisdictions. Critics argue that tragedies like Duarte’s death highlight the urgent need for broader access to trained crisis responders who can de-escalate volatile situations before they turn deadly.
Experts note that encounters between police and individuals experiencing mental distress can quickly escalate, especially when weapons are involved. The split-second decisions officers must make in these scenarios often become flashpoints in the larger national conversation about policing and mental health. Advocates have emphasized the importance of both enhanced training for officers and community-based resources that can provide early intervention before emergencies arise.
In Duarte’s case, some online discussions have centered on whether different tactics—such as non-lethal restraint or additional backup—might have prevented his death. However, others have pointed out that deputies responding to armed individuals face immense danger and must act based on the perceived immediacy of the threat. As one law enforcement analyst told local media, “When someone charges an officer with a knife, the options for de-escalation can become extremely limited in that moment.”
The tragedy also underscores the hidden struggles that can accompany public success. Duarte’s career as an influencer placed him under constant public attention, a dynamic that can exacerbate stress, anxiety, or personal struggles. Several of his peers have since spoken about the emotional toll of content creation—the pressure to stay relevant, produce consistently, and maintain the persona that audiences expect. For many, Duarte’s death has become a sobering reminder that behind the laughter and culinary creativity, influencers are people navigating complex personal lives.
To help support Duarte’s family, friends and fans have launched a GoFundMe campaign. The fundraiser aims to cover funeral expenses, assist in bringing his body back to California, and provide financial support for his wife and young daughter. As of this week, the campaign has received contributions from fans around the world, with many leaving heartfelt messages reflecting on how Duarte’s videos had brightened their days or inspired them to cook.
The page’s description reads: “Michael Duarte was a devoted husband, loving father, brother, and loyal friend. He brought joy to countless people through his cooking and his humor. This fund will help his family navigate the unimaginable loss they are facing and ensure that his legacy continues through his wife Jessica and their daughter Oakley.”
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident, and the Texas Rangers’ findings will determine whether the deputy’s use of force was justified under state law. Meanwhile, Duarte’s loved ones are focusing on honoring his memory rather than speculating about the legal outcome.
As the online food community mourns, many are sharing Duarte’s own words from one of his earlier videos, where he spoke about his love of cooking as a way of bringing people together: “Food connects us. No matter who you are or where you come from, when you share a meal, you share a moment.” Those who knew him say that sentiment captures who Michael Duarte truly was—a man whose warmth, creativity, and generosity reached far beyond the screen.
While investigations proceed and questions about mental health response continue to swirl, one thing remains clear: Michael Duarte’s legacy will endure not only in his digital archive of flavorful recipes and backyard cookouts but also in the community of fans who found joy, laughter, and inspiration in “FoodWithBearHands.”