Food Influencer Tragically Shot by Police in Texas

In a tragic incident, popular food influencer Michael Duarte, known online as @FoodWithBearHands, was shot and killed by police in Castroville, Texas, on November 8, 2025. According to the Medina County Sheriff's Office, authorities received a 911 call about a "male subject with a knife acting erratically," which was later identified as Duarte.

When officers arrived on the scene, Duarte reportedly approached a deputy in a threatening manner. After multiple commands to get on the ground, Duarte allegedly "charged" the deputy, yelling "I'm going to kill you." This prompted the deputy to discharge their weapon, striking Duarte. He was transported to a nearby hospital but later pronounced dead.

Duarte, who had amassed over 2 million followers for his engaging food videos, was just 3 days past his 9-year wedding anniversary with wife Jessica. The couple also share a 6-year-old daughter, Oakley. A GoFundMe page has been set up to cover funeral expenses and support Duarte's grieving family in the wake of this tragic loss.