Food Influencer Michael Duarte Shared Mental-Health Struggles Days Before Being Fatally Shot by Police

07 December 2025

Michael Duarte, 36, shared a story of his personal hardships and triumphs just days before he was killed. Instagram/@foodwithbearhands

The online food world was rocked when 36-year-old chef and social-media personality FoodWithBearHands ,real name Michael Duarte was shot and killed by police in Castroville, Texas on November 8 during what authorities described as a violent and erratic incident.

Just weeks before the tragic confrontation, Duarte had used his popular Instagram account boasting well over a million followers to candidly reveal that he had once hit rock bottom. On October 25, he opened up about a mental-health breakdown caused by feelings of failure during the pandemic lockdown. He admitted the crisis led him into rehab and compelled him to rebuild his life.

In that post he also recalled his difficult upbringing. Raised by a single mother who suffered breast cancer, he lost her when he was 21. He described his mother as both his mom and dad, someone who taught him values, survival and resilience while navigating hardship. Cooking, he wrote, became more than a career, it became salvation.

After rehab, Duarte turned to social media as a means to share his passion for cooking and create a supportive community. His BBQ videos and warm personality resonated with many. Friends, family and fans credit him for bringing joy to people’s homes through food and for striving to heal through honesty about his mental health.

Tragically, the story ended in violence. Police reported that they responded to a 911 call about a man behaving erratically with a knife. When a deputy arrived, Duarte allegedly threatened responders and charged at the officer. Fearing for safety, the deputy fired two rounds. Duarte was rushed to a hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

The aftermath was immediate and heartbreaking. His wife, Jessica Duarte, who is also the mother of their young daughter Oakley, released a statement mourning the “soul who inspired so many.” She spoke of grief, confusion and a desire to honor his legacy by helping others, and thanked fans for their outpouring of support.

In the days after his death a fundraiser was launched to help cover funeral costs, care for the family, and manage the arrangements needed to bring him back home. The campaign underscores the fragility and uncertainty that so many families face when trauma strikes.

For many in the online-food community and beyond, Duarte’s story has become more than a tragic headline. It has sparked renewed conversations about mental-health awareness, the pressures influencers face, and the lines between public persona and private pain. His sudden death underscores how quickly tragedy can follow even when someone seems to be rebuilding and healing.