Cooking Influencer Killed in Confrontation with Police, Leaving Family Devastated

In a tragic turn of events, popular cooking influencer Mike Duarte, known online as "FoodWithBearHands," has passed away after a confrontation with police. Duarte's wife, Jessica, is struggling to cope with the loss, but is determined to keep his legacy alive.

According to the reports, the incident occurred on November 8th, 2025, when authorities responded to a disturbance call involving Duarte. The 39-year-old content creator, who had amassed over 2 million followers across various social media platforms, was allegedly making threats and attempting to assault emergency personnel. When the deputy on the scene gave Duarte multiple verbal commands to get on the ground, he allegedly charged towards the officer, leading to the use of deadly force.

Duarte's death has left his family and online community in a state of shock and grief. Jessica has expressed her heartbreak, saying she is "not quite sure what that looks like yet but hopefully he will lead me on that path." She has also thanked Duarte's supporters and the BBQ community for their outpouring of love and support during this difficult time.

The authorities have described the incident as a "horrible accident," and an active investigation is still underway. Jessica is now faced with the task of making funeral arrangements and ensuring Duarte's legacy continues to inspire others, as he had done throughout his life.