The wife of popular food influencer Michael Duarte has shared an emotional public tribute, detailing her profound struggle following her husband's tragic death. Jessica Duarte posted a heartfelt message to his Instagram account on Thursday, revealing the deep pain she has experienced since the November 8 incident in Texas that claimed his life at just 36 years old.
An Emotional Tribute to a Lost Husband and Father
In her moving post accompanied by photographs of Michael, Jessica confessed she had 'struggled with what to do since his passing' before deciding to share his stories with their community. She wrote passionately about preserving his legacy, stating: 'Whether they be about his content or Mike as my husband, daddy and friend to all.'
The social media personality, who built a substantial following under the handle @foodwithbearhands, leaves behind his wife of nine years and their six-year-old daughter, Oakley. Jessica expressed being 'touched' by the overwhelming support from fans and vowed to 'keep his legacy going not only for him but his family.'
The Tragic Incident in Texas
According to law enforcement sources speaking to TMZ, the tragedy unfolded when police responded to a 911 call about a 'male subject with a knife acting erratically' in Castroville, Texas on November 8. The Medina County Sheriff's Office reported that Michael allegedly 'charged toward the deputy while yelling, "I'm going to kill you"' after refusing repeated orders to get on the ground.
The situation escalated rapidly, resulting in the deputy firing two shots that struck Michael. Despite receiving immediate medical attention at the scene and being transported to a nearby hospital, the influencer was pronounced dead. Jessica confirmed in her post that an active investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death is still ongoing.
Building a Legacy and Community Support
Michael Duarte had amassed an impressive following of over 850,000 fans on Instagram through his engaging cooking videos. What began as a pandemic hobby evolved into a significant business venture, with Michael previously sharing in his biography: 'Over time, I began to see it wasn't just a hobby – it could be a business, something bigger than myself.'
His talent agency, Alooma Media Group, released a statement expressing 'profound sadness' at losing their 'valued client and dear friend,' describing him as 'a true and loyal partner' and 'above all, a remarkable person.'
The community response has been substantial, with a GoFundMe page raising $81,472 at the time of writing to cover funeral expenses, support Jessica and Oakley, and facilitate Michael's return to California. The page asks supporters to 'lift Michael's family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time.'
Jessica's tribute concluded with a powerful personal message to her late husband: '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 ❤️.' She also indicated that funeral arrangements are currently being made as the family seeks peace amid their devastating loss.
