Archive · 13 Nov 2025
Food Influencer Michael Duarte Fatally Shot by Deputy After Knife Threat
A popular social media cook named Michael Duarte was shot and died after a scary encounter with a police officer in Texas.
The police said Michael was holding a knife and acting strangely.
They told him to drop the knife, but he didn't.
Instead, he ran towards the police officer and yelled at her.
The officer then shot him.
Michael's family and his work agency said he was having a tough time with his mental health when this happened.
They remember him as a loving dad and husband.
People are raising money to help his family with funeral costs and to support his wife and young daughter.
Food influencer Michael Duarte, known as 'FoodWithBearHands,' was shot and killed by a Texas sheriff's deputy.
The incident occurred on November 8 in Castroville, Texas, after deputies responded to a report of a man with a knife acting erratically.
According to the Sheriff's Office, Duarte ignored commands to drop the knife and charged at a deputy, allegedly threatening to kill her.
Duarte was pronounced dead at a hospital after receiving medical aid.
His talent agency confirmed his passing, noting he was experiencing a mental health crisis and remembering him as a devoted family man.
- Who
- Michael Duarte, a food influencer, and a Texas sheriff's deputy
- What
- Michael Duarte was shot and killed by a deputy after allegedly threatening officers with a knife and charging at one.
- When
- November 8
- Where
- Castroville, Texas
- Why
- Deputies responded to a call about a man with a knife acting erratically; Duarte allegedly ignored commands and charged at a deputy.
Sheriff's Office Account
Family & Agency Perspective
Duarte's Actions
Sheriff's Office Account
Duarte was acting erratically, ignored commands to drop a knife, and charged at a deputy yelling 'I'm going to kill you'. He also attempted to assault Fire and EMS personnel.
Family & Agency Perspective
Duarte was experiencing a mental health crisis at the time of the incident.
Use of Force
Sheriff's Office Account
The deputy fired two shots after Duarte charged at her with a knife.
Family & Agency Perspective
The family is being supported through funeral costs and assistance for his wife and daughter.
- Name
- Michael Duarte (FoodWithBearHands)
- Occupation
- Food Influencer
- Date of Incident
- November 8
- Location
- Castroville, Texas
- Agency Involved
- Medina County Sheriff's Office
- Alleged Weapon
- Knife
- Fatal Outcome
- Shot by deputy, pronounced dead at University Hospital