What Did Food Influencer, Michael Duarte's Wife, Jessica Reveal About His Death? Here's What We Know

The internet was left shaken after the heartbreaking news of popular food influencer, Michael Duarte's demise was shared online. Popularly known as FoodWithBearHands, he used to entertain millions of followers with his wholesome BBQ and home-cooking videos before his death on November 8, 2025, in Castroville, Texas, away from his home. While the mysterious cause of his demise initially raised questions, TMZ later revealed some details about it. Meanwhile, his wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley, were out of the spotlight. However, Jessica has now finally addressed her husband's demise and shared her views on his demise in a 'tragic incident". 

Jessica Duarte opens up about her husband, Michael Duarte's untimely death

Michael Duarte's wife, Jessica, has now publicly opened up for the first time since his passing and shared an emotional message honouring both her husband and the growing speculation around his death. In an official statement to TMZ, Jessica shared that she has been unsure how to move forward in life without him after the tragedy. Sharing her feelings, she said:

"I've struggled with what to do since his passing, so I'm doing what feels right, sharing his stories. Whether they're about his content or Mike as the husband, daddy, and friend to all." 

Meanwhile, Jessica expressed her gratitude towards the overwhelming support she and Oakley have received from fans and the BBQ community. She explained that their love was a kind of 'lifeline' for her during her darkest days. Jessica added that she is deeply moved to witness how Michael's work inspired so many people and hoped to carry forward his legacy as she figured out what it meant.

Jessica called out 'false narratives' around Michael's death 

Along with the tribute, Jessica even addressed the growing misinformation around her husband's demise and the circumstances of Michael's death. She called out all the fake narratives circulating online as 'disheartening' and 'disrespectful'. She even stressed that the case is under active investigation. Furthermore, Jessica has requested the public and media avoid sharing unverified claims. Concluding her statement, she said:

"Mike, I'm proud to be your wife, and I will carry that title with honor for the rest of my life. See you on the other side, Daddy."

What happened on the day Michael Duarte died? 

According to the Medina County Sheriff's Office, deputies had responded to a 911 call reporting a man acting erratically with a knife. Paramedics were already on the scene when officers arrived. As the authorities told TMZ, Michael tried to approach one of them in a threatening manner and allegedly yelled, "I am going to kill you." Despite their repeated verbal commands, officers mentioned that Michael continued to advance towards a deputy, prompting her to fire two rounds. He was given immediate medical attention, but he passed away. Moreover, the reason behind his erratic behavior remains unconfirmed. 

More about Michael Duarte and his family

Michael Duarte is survived by his wife, Jessica, and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley. Although Jessica maintains a low profile, she has often featured in his videos, and fans admired their natural chemistry. The couple had just marked their ninth wedding anniversary together just three days before his demise. For those unaware, Michael is originally from Calipatria, California, where he discovered his passion for cooking at his uncle's Mexican restaurant and transitioned into a digital content creator in the niche, earning an estimated USD 200,000 to USD 300,000 annually, with a net worth of around USD 1 million as of 2025.

Rest in peace, Michael Duarte. 

Next Read:  John Beam's Death, Last Insta Post Of 'Last Chance U' Coach Before Being Shot, A Tribute To His Dad

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Get App

AWESOME NEWS! Now you can download BollywoodShaadis app and never miss a story. Choose your device Android or IOS (Apple)