Food Influencer Michael Duarte Shot to Death by Cops

Food influencer Michael Duarte was shot and killed by cops in Texas after he threatened to kill people, according to new details released by police.

A rep for the Medina County Sherriff’s Office tells TMZ … deputies responded to a 911 call November 8 in Castroville, Texas, regarding a disturbance involving a “male subject with a knife acting erratically.”

The Sherriff’s Office tells us, Duarte approached officers threateningly and “after multiple verbal commands were given for Duarte to get on the ground by the deputy, Duarte charged toward the deputy while yelling, ‘I’m going to kill you.'”

It was then that the deputy discharged two rounds from her duty weapon, striking Duarte, according to police.

Medical aid was immediately rendered at the scene, and Duarte was transported to University Hospital in San Antonio, where he was later pronounced deceased, police tell us.

His passing occurred just days after celebrating his wedding anniversary with his wife.

Duarte’s talent agency posted about his death, remembering him as “a devoted husband to his wife Jessica, a loving father to his daughter, brother and a loyal friend to so many around the world.”

With over 2 million followers across IG, TikTok, Facebook and YouTube, Duarte was known for posting food content under the Instagram handle @foodwithbearhands … he would share recipes and videos of him barbecuing and grilling food.

He’s survived by his wife of 9 years, Jessica, and their daughter.