Castroville, Texas — Food Influencer Michael Duarte Shared Mental Health Struggles Days Before Police Shot and Killed Him
A popular food influencer with more than a million followers, 36-year-old Michael Duarte, opened up about his past mental health battles and time in rehab just weeks before he was shot and killed by police in Castroville, Texas.
Duarte, known online for his viral barbecue videos and exuberant personality, died during what authorities described as an “erratic” and “threatening” outburst on November 12, leaving fans and loved ones devastated.
Duarte’s Emotional Post Revealed Past Struggles
On October 25, just over two weeks before the deadly police encounter, Duarte shared a deeply personal Instagram post detailing a difficult chapter of his life. He wrote that he had once reached a breaking point during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
“I hit a breaking point and had a mental health crisis that led me to rehab,”
Duarte wrote, explaining that the isolation and pressure of the shutdown made him feel as though he had “failed at life.”
He said the experience took a heavy toll on his confidence but eventually became part of his path toward healing. Although Duarte did not go into detail about the nature of his rehab stay, he made it clear that mental health challenges were a major part of his journey.
A Difficult Childhood Shaped His Resilience
In the same post, Duarte reflected on growing up with a single mother who battled breast cancer for years.
“She was my mom and my dad,” 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.”
He described her unwavering support, even when she didn’t always have the answers. Duarte’s mother died when he was 21, leaving him to navigate adulthood on his own. Cooking, he said, eventually became the outlet that helped lift him out of darkness following his mental health crisis.
Building a Joyful Online Presence
Despite his hardships, Duarte crafted a thriving career as a food creator. His Instagram account, @foodwithbearhands, skyrocketed past one million followers as audiences connected with his humor, warmth, and passion for barbecue. His videos often featured bold, over-the-top dishes and the unmistakable energy that made him beloved across social media.
Duarte’s personal life also seemed to be flourishing. He had recently celebrated his nine-year wedding anniversary with his wife Jessica in early November. Photos on their accounts showed the couple enjoying life with their young daughter and their loyal black dog.
But just three days after the anniversary celebration, their lives were upended.
Police Describe “Erratic” and Threatening Behavior Before Shooting
According to investigators, police were called to Castroville on November 12 after a 911 report described a “male subject with a knife acting erratically.” Authorities said first responders found Duarte making violent threats and behaving unpredictably.
“Duarte was exhibiting erratic behavior and making threats to kill everyone,” officials stated.
Police reported that Duarte attempted to assault Fire and EMS personnel as they arrived. When a deputy approached, the situation escalated quickly.
“Duarte charged toward the deputy while yelling, ‘I’m going to kill you,’”
officials said. The deputy fired two rounds, striking Duarte.
He was treated on scene and transported to a hospital, where he later died.
Authorities have not released additional information about what may have triggered the episode, leaving many of Duarte’s supporters searching for answers and clarity.
Family Grieves Amid Outpouring of Support
Duarte’s wife Jessica has shared her grief publicly, thanking his followers for their compassion during the painful aftermath of his death.
“I’m still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but I’m starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger,” she wrote. “I’m starting to see God work in mysterious ways… and hoping that will bring our family some peace.”
As the investigation into the shooting continues, fans and loved ones are remembering Duarte not only for his culinary creativity but for the vulnerability he showed in sharing his mental health journey — a message that now carries even deeper resonance.
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