California-based influencer Michael Duarte, known online as FoodWithBearHands, was shot by police in Castroville, Texas, on November 8, 2025, during a disturbance call. According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies got a 911 call about a man acting strangely with a knife. A female deputy fired two rounds from her duty weapon and hit Duarte. He was rushed to a hospital but later died. Michael Duarte had a combined following of over two million people across Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube. He became famous for his simple, fun cooking and BBQ videos. His Instagram bio read, “My purpose is to share to the world food to people who need it the most.”Before police released these new details, a GoFundMe page had said Michael Duarte died in a “horrible accident” while traveling in Texas. His wife, Jessica Duarte, is now raising funds to bring him home to California and cover funeral costs. The page reads, “We ask that you lift Michael’s family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time.”
Michael Duarte’s life, work, and the Medina County police update
Michael Duarte grew up in Calipatria, California, near the U.S.–Mexico border. When he was 14, he started working in his uncle’s small Mexican restaurant, where he first learned to cook. He later worked in restaurants across San Diego. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Michael Duarte shared on Instagram that he went through a “mental health crisis” and joined rehab. After coming out, he began posting cooking videos online and found happiness in creating content with his daughter. In one of his posts, he wrote, “My first video was with my daughter. That’s when I realized how happy creating content made me.”Also Read: Michael Duarte Cause Of Death: How Did The Food Influencer FoodWithBearHands DieHis talent agency, Alooma Media Group, confirmed the news of his death on November 9, calling him a “valued client and dear friend.” The agency wrote, “He was a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, and a loyal friend to so many.” They added that his “warmth, kindness, and generosity were felt in every interaction.” Police say the investigation is still ongoing. The Medina County Sheriff’s Office may release more details soon.
