Michael Duarte’s widow has spoken out after the popular food influencer was killed in a police confrontation while traveling in Castroville, Texas.
On 8 November, 39-year-old Duarte was fatally shot by a deputy police officer after he allegedly charged towards her with a knife and threatened to ‘kill’ her, according to a report by USA Today.
Representatives for the Medina County Sheriff's Office told the publication that the official was responding to a disturbance call ‘involving a male subject with a knife acting erratically’.
The deputy arrived on the scene after a 911 call was made around 11.28am, discovering Duarte, who was reportedly ‘making threats to kill everyone’ and ‘attempting to assault Fire and EMS personnel,’ the outlet reported.
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The California native was struck after being given ‘multiple verbal commands’ by the gun-wielding officer to get on the ground, USA Today said.
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The content creator, who was known for his recipe videos, was later pronounced dead at a San Antonio hospital.
His widow, Jessica Duarte, has since broken her silence on the situation, claiming her husband of nine years had inspired ‘so many people… over his time on Earth’.
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Addressing her spouse’s Instagram followers, the mother-of-one wrote: "I feel so touched and proud to know so many people that he has inspired over his time here on earth. I plan to keep his legacy going not only for him but his family.
“He gave everyone every bit of him so it’s my turn to give it back. I’m not quite sure what that looks like yet but hopefully he will lead me on that path," the post read.
She also thanked fans who have reached out to her, claiming that the ‘outpouring [of] love has really given [her] strength.’
"I’m still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but l’m starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger.
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“I’m starting to see God work in mysterious ways that l’ve never experienced before and hoping that will bring our family some peace," she added, before sharing she was ‘proud’ to be his wife.
Jessica also called on people to 'refrain from sharing unverified information', hitting out at 'false narratives' that are 'disheartening and disrespectful to the legacy of a wonderful man'.
Jessica and the social media star, known by his handle FoodWithBearHands, shared their six-year-old daughter, Oakley, together.
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A GoFundMe was set up to help the Duarte family with financial support, with a friend of the family describing the self-taught chef’s death as a ‘horrible accident’.
“During this time, and in the months/years ahead, we want to make sure that Jessica and Oakley are taken care of as Michael would have wanted them to be,” the fundraising page reasoned.
“Your support would bring comfort, stability, and a reminder that they are not carrying this weight alone.
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Born in Calipatria, California, a small city near the U.S.-Mexico border, Duarte worked under his ‘mentor’ uncle at a small Mexican restaurant before venturing elsewhere in the hospitality industry.
Around the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, he went to rehab after experiencing a ‘mental health crisis,’ as per People.
Once out of rehab, he began posting on social media with his daughter before realising content could become a full-time job.
“Over time, I began to see it wasn’t just a hobby — it could be a business, something bigger than myself.”
You can donate to Michael Duarte’s GoFundMe here.
Topics: Social Media, Instagram, News, US Food
Ella Scott