The wife of food influencer Michael Duarte is honoring her late husband while addressing the “false narratives” surrounding his death. Duarte, who was 36, died during a family trip to Texas last week, reportedly after an incident involving a knife.
On Thursday night, Jessica Duarte shared her grief and her desire to tell her husband’s story—about his work and his role as a husband and father. “Since he passed, I’ve been questioning what to do, and I believe sharing his story is the right step,” she wrote on his Instagram account, “FoodWithBearHands.”
Expressing pride in the community he built, she said, “I feel touched by all those he inspired. I want to continue his legacy, not just for him but for our family. He gave so much, and now it’s my turn to reciprocate. I’m not sure yet what that will look like, but I trust he’ll guide me.”
The love and support from her husband’s barbecue community have provided her with some strength during this difficult time. Jessica mentioned, “I’m still grappling with the reality of his absence. However, I’m starting to see that his purpose was even larger than I realized. There’s a sense of peace beginning to form for our family, and I see God’s hand in it all.”
According to authorities, Duarte was shot twice by a sheriff’s deputy in Medina County after they responded to a 911 call about a man with a knife. Officials reported that Duarte displayed erratic behavior and made threats, asserting he would “kill everyone.” The situation escalated when he allegedly tried to assault emergency responders.
When commanded to drop the weapon, Duarte refused and threatened the officers. This led to them opening fire, and he was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
Jessica Duarte was adamant about combating the misleading media narratives surrounding her husband’s passing. “The false reporting is disheartening and does not honor the legacy of an incredible man,” she stated, urging the media and public to refrain from spreading unverified information.
“Mike, I’m honored to be your wife, and I’ll carry that title forever. I’ll meet you again, Daddy,” she concluded.
The initial reports of Duarte’s death described it as a “horrific accident,” referencing statements from his family and talent agency. Just three days before his passing, the California-based creator had celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary while traveling to Texas with his family.
With 2 million followers across various social platforms, Duarte was known for showcasing innovative electric barbecue techniques through entertaining videos.
He and Jessica shared a six-year-old daughter, Oakley. Duarte had previously been vocal about his mental health challenges, discussing how he struggled during the pandemic and sought psychiatric help to manage his condition. He found a creative outlet in making videos after he recovered and developed a viral presence thanks to his humor and engaging content.
Reflecting on his journey, he noted that the pandemic’s impact on his self-esteem was profound. “Looking back, I realize that the setback was rooted in feelings of failure after the shutdown,” he admitted.
