Food influencer Michael Duarte shared about past mental health struggles and rehab just days before he was killed by cops
During a routine patrol in Castroville, Texas, a police officer fatally shot an Instagram food influencer while responding to a frantic 911 call. The officer was called because a male suspect reported to have a knife was acting erratically and threatening to kill everyone. The deputy describing the incident told authorities that the victim was “exhibiting erratic behavior” and was attempting to assault both Fire and EMS personnel. When the suspect charged at the officer, yelling “I’m going to kill you,” the deputy fired twice from her service weapon, after which the man was pronounced dead. He received on‑scene treatment but succumbed after being transported to a hospital.
The victim, 36‑year‑old Michael Duarte, was a well‑known social‑media personality who shared mouth‑watering barbecue recipes and vibrant cooking videos online. Three days before the fatal confrontation, he had celebrated his ninth wedding anniversary with his wife, Jessica. In early November, the couple often posted pictures of themselves holding their daughter and their black dog, and were last seen driving through West Texas when the incident occurred.
Years before his death, Duarte had openly discussed his mental‑health challenges and his time in rehab in a heartfelt Instagram post dated October 25, two weeks before he was killed. He wrote: “I hit a breaking point and had a mental health crisis that led me to rehab,” and said it was during the COVID‑19 lockdown that his spirit was severely shaken. He recalled, “Looking back, I know that breakdown came from feeling like I had failed at life. The shutdown hit me hard and took a big toll on my confidence.” The story ended with uncertainty about the exact circumstances that pushed him toward treatment.
In that same post, Duarte also reflected on his difficult upbringing. He was raised by a single mother who battled breast cancer for years, and he added that she was both his mother and his father. He wrote, “Every Father’s Day, I’d give her a card because she was the one who took me fishing, hunting and taught me so many things about life.” Duarte described how his mother, despite not knowing how to do everything, always supported his learning pursuits. He noted that she had passed away when he was 21, leaving him to navigate life alone, only to find solace and purpose in cooking. Cooking, he said, lifted him out of the depths of his breakdown years later after he’d entered rehab.
The Instagram account “foodwithbearhands” had grown to over a million followers, showcasing Duarte’s exuberant personality and passion for creating spectacular barbecue dishes. Those who followed him recognized him as an enthusiastic, humor‑laden chef who brought a sense of joy to every recipe.
After the tragedy, Jessica said that the “outpouring of love” from Duarte’s followers and the food community has played a crucial part in helping her family cope. She posted about her ongoing struggle to accept his passing, expressing that she’s beginning to see that “his purpose was SO much bigger.” She also shared a newfound sense of faith, writing that she’s starting to see “God work in mysterious ways that I’ve never experienced before and hoping that will bring our family some peace.”
The incident has cast a spotlight on the escalating conversation about mental health and police encounters, with details surrounding Duarte’s prior struggles and his sudden, violent end continuing to be examined by the community.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
