When Michael Duarte – better known online as “FoodWithBearHands” – celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary just days ago with his wife Jessica, he was surrounded by love, laughter and the char‑smoke of his next great barbecue idea. Now the internet and the food world are reeling after his sudden and tragic death on November 8, 2025, in Castroville, Texas, at age 39.
Duarte’s death was the result of a police shooting, according to authorities: deputies from the Medina County Sheriff’s Office responded to a disturbance call involving a male with a knife acting erratically. Officials say Duarte allegedly refused repeated orders to get on the ground, then charged toward a deputy while shouting threats. The deputy fired two rounds, striking him. He was taken to a hospital in San Antonio, where he later died.
His talent agency, Alooma Media Group, broke the news to their Instagram followers with a heartfelt tribute: “It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte… his passion, professionalism and creativity left a lasting mark…” They described him as a devout husband, loving father and generous soul.
Born and raised in Calipatria, California, near the U.S.–Mexico border, Duarte’s journey into food began early, working in his uncle’s Mexican restaurant at age 14. Over time, he moved into restaurant kitchens around San Diego and during the COVID‑19 pandemic decided to begin posting cooking videos online. What began as an outlet following a personal mental health crisis grew into a full‑blown following – one that numbered over 2 million across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube.
Duarte’s online brand was all about family, laughter and smoky grill sessions. Whether he was searing brisket, layering flavors, or filming his 6‑year‑old daughter Oakley popping into the frame, his content radiated warmth and included his wife Jessica and daughter as part of the story. The community didn’t just see a chef—they saw someone who made you feel welcome at his table. A GoFundMe page set up for his family described the shocking loss as a “heartbreak that came without warning,” and asked for prayers and support as Jessica handles funeral costs and returning Michael’s body to California.
Even though the official investigative details are still emerging, the raw outpouring of grief and tribute has been unmistakable. Fans, fellow creators and brands alike have fallen silent or posted in memorial. One of the brand partners, Bear Mountain BBQ, remarked that 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… but beyond the work, Michael was so much more.”
Three days before the fatal incident, Michael and Jessica celebrated nine years of marriage—a milestone now overshadowed by sudden loss. The timing underscores the fragility of life, reminding fans that someone who seemed larger‑than‑life online was also deeply human and loved. While the question of how and why remains under investigation, the mark he left is clear.
Michael’s legacy lives on in the grill sizzle, his daughter’s giggle in the background of a live video, and the welcoming “come join us” energy that ran through everything he made. For his wife, his daughter, and the countless people he inspired to cook, laugh and gather around the table, his fire may have gone out—but the spark he lit in others will carry forward.
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