Viral Food Influencer “FoodWithBearHands” Shot Dead by Texas Deputy During Traffic Stop

Michael Duarte, a California-based food creator celebrated online as “FoodWithBearHands,” was fatally shot by a Medina County Sheriff’s deputy during a traffic stop in Castroville, Texas, on November 6, 2025.

The 34-year-old influencer, known for his barbecue recipes and heartwarming family cooking videos, reportedly threatened officers with a knife after repeated commands to drop the weapon — an account his family now disputes.

According to the Medina County Sheriff’s Office, deputies stopped Duarte’s vehicle on suspicion of reckless driving. The encounter, they claim, escalated when Duarte allegedly exited his vehicle holding a knife and refused multiple orders to stand down, prompting the deputy to open fire. Duarte was pronounced dead at the scene.

His family, however, has challenged the police version, posting a statement on Instagram asserting that he was unarmed and fearful during the stop. “Michael was a peaceful man who brought people joy through food. He didn’t deserve this,” the post read, drawing thousands of supportive comments from his online followers.

The incident has sparked outrage and grief across social media, with fans sharing clips of Duarte’s signature cooking moments — from his viral tortilla beef kebabs to his playful grill challenges — as a tribute to his infectious energy. His TikTok and Instagram accounts, each boasting hundreds of thousands of followers, now serve as digital memorials filled with messages of disbelief and sorrow.

Local reports confirm that the Texas Rangers have opened an investigation into the shooting, while Medina County authorities maintain that bodycam footage will clarify the deputy’s actions. Civil rights advocates have already begun calling for a transparent review of the case, citing Duarte’s lack of criminal history and the ongoing pattern of deadly police encounters involving civilians during traffic stops.

For millions who watched him turn simple family recipes into moments of joy, Michael Duarte’s death feels like an abrupt, tragic ending to a story that was all about love, laughter, and the warmth of home cooking. In the words of one fan on X: “He made us smile over grilled ribs and tacos — not even knowing he’d be gone before his next upload.”

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